Light fluffy historical romance read. Pretty simple plot but lots of fun banter moments between the Duke and Beth. The Duke of Blackshire, Alex, is a scarred hero with quite the rakish reputation. A string of threats to his life have him wary for his safety and those he loves. Alex returns to his townhome to convince his grandmother to move to the country while he secretly handles the threats to his life. When he arrives at the townhome he meets his grandmother’s companion, Miss Elizabeth, and tries to get her on his side of moving his grandmother out without explaining why. Beth thinks he is just wanting to rid himself of his grandmother and refuses to help Alex. Instead if he wants her help, he will have to take on her dare...grant her 3 wishes.

Majority of the book is spent around Alex and Beth bantering and helping one another so not a lot of time spent developing the side characters, which I actually missed having some character development there. This book was very light and fluffy, even with having a “someone is out to murder me” plot. All in all it was an ok read but not a new fav.

Cookie cutter and inconsistent characters, plot and interactions feel forced and/or don’t make sense, etc. (DNF)

This was my first book by Anna Bennett and I’m sorry to say that I really didn’t enjoy it. It was very cookie cutter and there were so many eye-rolling moments. Sometimes I feel badly when I feel this way about a book ... but on the other hand, the fact that I’ve read so many romance books shouldn’t mean that I can’t use those as comparison or shouldn’t let those influence me.

I have read very, very good romance books. And then sometimes there are books like this, that feel like an imitation of those books. Like someone who themselves has been reading romance books for awhile, went into their memory kitchen, took down a bunch of different ingredients, mixed them together, and then ta-da!!

I’m sick of people’s eyes flashing, of the leading characters having trouble breathing within 2 minutes of being with each other, of unaccountable tenderness like they have never felt for the opposite sex felt toward the other character within 5 minutes, of a heroine whom we’re told is a shy wallflower all of a sudden being super flirty, of a hero who we’re told is grumpy not at all acting grumpy, of inappropriate familiarity that would in no way happen that way in that time period (if you want that, then that’s fine, but write/read a CR or PNR; if you’re doing an HR but you don’t want to keep it at least somewhat faithful to the times, then why are you doing it as a historical?).

And beyond those things, there were plot aspects that didn’t even make sense. Alexander wants to send his grandmother into the country, because someone is trying to kill him and he doesn’t want her caught in the crossfire and injured, so it’s of the utmost urgency that she leave ASAP (not clear to me why he didn’t just then stay away from her, but maybe that’s explained later in the book in a section I didn’t get to).

He didn’t know that she had taken on a companion (our heroine, Beth), and so when he gets there and meets her, he then tries to fire her. Lot of flirty back and forth, and then it’s decided that Beth will help convince his grandmother to go into the country, if he will grant his grandmother three specific wishes, all having to do with spending time with him. Okay, that sounds like a good plan, I mean, it’s not like someone is trying to kill him and being in his physical presence is at all endangering her—oh wait!! That’s the entire premise of the plot and why he’s trying to send her away in the first place! So yeah. That’s logical.

It’s taken me years to be able to DNF books, and it is still difficult, especially if I got a book as an ARC, because I really want to give the author as much of a chance as possible. Clearly though, I do now DNF books, including ARCs, and I’m sorry that I had to do this here, but there seemed to be absolutely no point in dragging out an experience that I wasn’t in any way whatsoever enjoying.

*This review is of an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Some changes and/or edits may be made to the final published version.

I enjoyed this one about the middle sister Beth. It was as good as the first one but it held my attention. Cant wait to read final story of younger sister.

DNF. I really am feeling bad about dropping this novel but OMG Alex needed to get over himself and report the accidents so they could catch the culprit. And he should've been straight forward with Beth about EVERYTHING from the beginning or at least the beginning of their bargain. He kept getting into his own way ... then his "big reveal" before sex wasn't the main thing he needed to be telling her. Therefore, because I kept on being annoyed with Alex I gave up by Chapter 27.

If you pick this one up ... best of luck and I hope you'll enjoy it more than I did.

Review By: From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews
https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/
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Another great addition to the Wallflower series! Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire - a hot guy! He is not the average hero, absolutely not! Give it a try, I really enjoyed reading it.

I read many books and I Dared the Duke by Anna Bennett is one I would gladly recommend. I was hooked when I saw the phrase notorious wallflower in the description of the book. I was not let down This book did not disappoint.

Your typical historical romance but I loved it!! Quick and entertaining, I had such a blast reading this!!!! I recommend it.

This is the second book in the series but works well as a standalone, too.
I found this an engaging read to escape into. The characters are well developed and Alex is particularly easy to relate to. I didn’t, however, understand why he, as a wealthy Duke, didn’t get others to help determine the perpetrator of the attempts on his life. Beth is more of an enigma, feisty, stubborn, vociferous and suspicious though she was also caring and charming at other times. I loved how she blackmailed the Duke to enable her and the Duchess to stay! The mystery of who is attempting to kill the Duke is kept till very near the end of the story (though how the person managed to carry out the attempts is also somewhat mysterious, too). It is a steady paced book that flows well, keeping the reader guessing and providing some humorous banter, too.
3.5 Stars

This is the second book in the Wayward Wallflowers series and is just as entertaining as the first book.

This story centers on Elizabeth Lacey aka Beth, the sister of the heroine in the first book and Alexander aka Alex, Duke of Blackshire.

Alex has a reputation for being a legendary lover, he is also known for his scars and his grumpy nature He also has a problem, someone is trying to kill him.

Beth is a fixer, she lives to solve other people problems and to feel useful. Because of this, she agreed to become the companion to the elderly Dowager Duchess of Blackshire. She genuinely likes the older woman and when her grandson, the duke shows up unexpectedly and tries to fire her, Beth is outraged and refuses to leave. When Alex tries to change his tact and have her and his grandmother leave London. Instead of complying, Beth bargains with the duke and promises to leave and take his grandmother with her to the country, if Alex promises to grant the older woman three wishes.

The book is well written, has some spicy moments, a decent mystery, some surprising revelations and a very sweet ending.

While this book is the second in the series, it could easily be read as a stand alone title.

I am really enjoying this series and am looking forward to the next book!

Storylines that include some mystery, intrigue, and character danger with the romance are my favorite reads. Not the usual boy meets girl, they fall in love, and live happier ever after, I Dared the Duke incorporates all my favorite storyline items. The characters are not what they seem, Beth is anything but a Wilted Wallflower, and Alex's reputation as London's best lover is a bit overrated. Throw in an unknown villain who is trying to kill Alex and you have a fast paced, very enjoyable read. This book is the second in the Wayward Wallflowers series. Though I found the first a little lacking in parts, I have no such criticism of this second book. I loved it, couldn't read it fast enough. Very much worth the time to read.

Perhaps what I liked best about the Regency Romance, I Dared the Duke by Anna Bennett, is the emphasis on the importance of family. Elizabeth Lacey has a strong bond with her two sisters, Margaret and Juliette, as well as her Uncle Alister, Lord Wltmore, who "adopted" them when their parents were killed in a carriage accident. Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire, adores his grandmother, the Dowager Duchess, the only family he has left. Both main characters suffered trauma in their lives involving the tragic death of loved ones with Alex still bearing scars around his neck from the devastating fire which killed his parents. It's not a wonder that these two find sympathy for one another, but not without first developing a contentious relationship, arguing over the treatment of the chief object of their attention - Lady Blackshire.

At the request of her uncle, Beth has agreed to serve as companion to the elderly Duchess and she resents the Duke's request to convince her charge to hasten to their country estate instead of remaining in her beloved London. Beth finally agrees to help Alex with his request but only after he grants his grandmother three "wishes".

Beth quickly discovers that the Duke is a hoax. Although he is ornery, underneath all the bluff is a decent, caring heart. His undeserved reputation as a reprobate, who has seduced numerous wives throughout The Ton, is a myth. In fact, his sexual experience is somewhat limited and he is tentative with his romantic liaison with Beth. She, however, only feels the power of their attraction, despite her questions about his intentions. Little does she know that it was his offhand comment which cemented the title - the "Wilting Wallflowers" on the three sisters when they entered society.

Eventually Alex has to reveal the real reason for his concern - he has been the target of numerous murder attempts. Not wanting his grandmother or Miss Lacey accidentally hurt in the crossfire, he pleads with her to move to the safety of the country. By this time the two have become quite "close" and Beth, who likes to be in the center of the action, wants to help discover the culprit's identity. Of course, chaos ensues.

As in Book 1 (My Brown-Eyed Earl) of the Wayward Wallflower series, in Book 2 the details and vernacular ignore the accepted mores of the Regency Era. Yet the witty banter and easy reading style overcome some of the unlikely plot details. Alex's behavior doesn't always mesh with his role as Duke, yet his gruff exterior hiding a compassionate soul is endearing to the reader. While the pig-headed Beth isn't as likable as her sister Meg, the reader can't help but root for her happily ever after. A major annoyance is the repetitive reflections by the two protagonists as the author flits back and forth detailing their individual points of view. Some selective editing could easily take care of this exasperating tendency.

Three stars and a thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I DARED THE DUKE (The Wayward Wallflowers: #2) Anna Bennett
2017; 334 Pages (St. Martin's Paperbacks)
Genre: historical romance, fiction, series, romance
(I received a paperback copy from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY)
Rating: ★★★★

In the second book, we meet Meg's middle sister, Beth Lacey. Beth has become a companion to Alexander Savage's, the Duke of Blackshire, dowager grandmother and enjoys it until Alex comes home. Alex is known for his ornery ways, having women seduce him for his prowess and scars from a house fire. Alex has returned home after being poisoned and then having his carriage tampered with. Someone is trying to kill him, and until he finds the killer he needs to move his grandmother to the country. Beth could help him with that but first insists he must grant his grandmother 3 wishes so that she does not feel like he doesn't want her around. As he dodges further threats, and tries to make his grandmother happy he finds himself falling for the girl he once dubbed the Wilting Wallflower.

I really like Beth's sassy attitude and Alex's brooding as their banter and romance is fun. With the hint of mystery and suspense, of who is after Alex, I liked this novel even better than the first book. The dowager and Beth's uncle steal the show with their humour and endearing moments. This is another fun historical romance.

I loved this book. I loved the fact that Beth isn't afraid to put the Duke in his place. The way that they fall in love slowly while they complete each part of the dare. Then to know that Beth is put in danger even though Alexander is trying to protect her. This book was fantastic and I loved every word of it.

This was my first foray into the Wilting Wallflowers set. Let me just say that I was more than pleasantly surprised with how good it was. Between the romance and the mystery it was better than I had hoped. I liked Beth, Savage, and his grandmother. The storyline kept me wanting to know what was going on and how it would end. Very worth the time.

Okay this story had me from the begininning, stayed up all night to finish it. But, seriously, how could I not? Our hero has the hottest name ever! Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire?? Does it get any more compelling than that? Well done! I liked the idea of the two living together, as it were, and I enjoyed the predicaments that they ended up in. Our heroine was a wonderfully easy to like character as well.

2.5 stars

In the back of my mind as I read this was the thought that I've read this before. Unfortunately the book never grabbed me and brought me into the story. It became a tedious read somewhere around chapter 18 which was about half way and I found myself skipping thru to the end.

I am a big fan of regency romance and this is the first book I have read from Ms. Bennet. This story has suspense,laughter ,battle of wills and love and keeps you turning the pages. I enjoyed reading Beth's and Alex's story very much and intend on reading the series.

I love, love historical romances-that are good and fun to read! This was a good one! There are sooo many historical romances published that it is hard to determine what one should read or not, but I definitely recommend this story for the lover of this genre.

I loved this book so much. It got me through a really tough time that I was having a few months back when I was so anxious I couldn't get into and enjoy any book. This book soothed my soul and was just the thing I most needed at that time. The story was adorable and the characters chemistry was so fun to read about and ship. It made me laugh out loud more times then I could count and I felt so much happier and better after finishing it! I've reread the book probably three times since then and every time I enjoy it more <3

The Skinny

Labeled the Wilting Wallflowers by the Duke of Blackshire three years prior, it caught on and has followed her sisters around since. After the eldest Wallflower marries well and their struggles are over, Elizabeth finds herself with a lot of extra time on her hands. When the dowager Duchess of Blackshire seeks a companion, Beth gladly accepts and enjoys her work. When the dowager's grandson shows up, Beth and Alexander Savage don't see eye to eye on anything but his grandmother's happiness. And the first thing that's got to go is Beth!

Alex regrets dubbing Beth and her sisters the Wilting Wallflowers, and he hopes it never comes out. But he wants Beth gone nonetheless, and he wants his grandmother safely ensconced in the country. Both of which will upset his grandmother, and Beth goes to bat for her and digs in her heels. Alex doesn't make a good first impression at all - wanting to send his elderly grandmother off to the country and out of his hair! He relents and lets Beth stay on, who bribes Alex into doing sweet gestures for his grandmother, like granting wishes. Three wishes, to be exact. For the great love Alex has for his grandmother, he begrudgingly agrees.

But he also has to keep her - and now Beth, a greater risk - safe. His reasons for wanting his grandmother in the countryside were not vain or selfish. Alex has had an uncharacteristic number of "accidents" lately that no longer seem like accidents at all. Someone is out to murder him. But who? And why? Until he knows, no one he loves is safe. Taking up Beth on her deal will prove much more cumbersome than he originally thought.



The Players

Elizabeth Lacey - orphaned as a child, only her uncle would take her and her sisters in, and they have lived among the ton as the Wilting Wallflowers

Alexander Savage - the Duke of Blackshire, orphaned and raised by his grandmother, convinced someone is out to murder him

Marquess of Darberville - aka Darby, Alex's longtime friend

Alistair Wiltmore - Lord Wiltmore, Beth's elderly uncle, raised Beth and her sisters, rumored to be in dire financial straits, also rumored to be eccentric and even mad

The Dowager - she is an elderly lady who adores her grandson, but won't do with his atrocious behavior at times



The Quote

"Perhaps you assign evil intent to my actions because that is what is in your heart - but I can assure you, it's not in mine."



The Highs and Lows

The Banter. Right from the start, Beth and Alex hit it off - sparkingly! Their quick witty replies and short barks at one another had me laughing. The audacity and snobbery of Alex, the unperturbedness of Beth and her rebuffs bordering on catty. He had no idea about Beth's placement with his grandmother. When he first arrives home, he believes Beth is robbing the place! After being apprised of the situation, he quickly grasps that she is indeed one of Lord Wiltmore's Wallflower nieces and makes a dastardly assumption about Beth and money. A great way to open the book, give some background about Beth, and set the tone. It is through these quiet and heated moments that each learns a little more about the other, where things can be revealed in private without exposure to the ton. But there are still some things that Alex doesn't share.
The Dowager. The dowager duchess means the world to Alex. After the unfortunate fire that took both his parents and nearly killed Alex himself, the dowager painstakingly cared and nursed him back to health. The scars, however, remained. As did the fear of acrid smoke. Alex carries a dark secret about that night - one that he believes his grandmother knows, as well.

The Plot. The driving force behind Alex's actions and his gruff, demanding demeanor are the accidents that seem to follow him around like a black cloud. The first time could have been an accident, but they keep happening. First, poisoned at the club. Then, the coach mysteriously breaks an axle and came out of the ditch an accordion. Alex enlists his friend Darby to help him riddle out who the murderer could be. It's not an easy task given that Alex obviously lacks social graces, a death wish to the London ton. And then there's the matter of his rakish behavior. While he does want his grandmother safe in the countryside, he also wants nothing but her happiness. He agrees to Beth's three wishes plan for his grandmother and keeps them both in London.

The Wishes. Beth's bargain about the wishes relied solely on the dowager. Whatever she wished she could do, Beth imparted to Alex. These weren't suggestions, either. The first wish to attend a concert at the rotunda and gardens does not go very well from the start. Several incident compile that reaffirm Alex's belief that someone is trying to kill him - and his loved ones, too. To make matters worse, Alex witnesses firsthand the hurtful and damaging gossip of the Wilting Wallflowers upon Beth. That moment showed development and growth on his part, as well as compassion and sincerity.

Beth. Despite how she appears prim and cool, never losing her temper, Beth craves comfort. It is part of the reason why she jumped to be the dowager's companion - she needs to be needed. But there's that little voice that continues to remind her that everyone she's relied on has proved untrustworthy. That is her first impression of Alex, too, until she gets to know him and sees him in vulnerable and honest moments. In their secret trysts, Beth gives Alex multiple opportunities to turn her away, and the hard years enduring her unwanted status of a wallflower makes her crave attention and love. She is easily wounded and has a fair amount of pride and a stubborn streak. It is both helpful and hurtful, and after another accident nearly causing the death of both of them, Alex again tries to send Beth and the dowager away. She's always known their time would be short, and savored what they had together.

A Smashing Plan. When Alex couldn't stand keeping it from her any longer, Alex relays the truth behind the countryside. Beth concocts a smashing idea - host a masquerade ball. Not only would this hide the identity of the unsuccessful killer, it would also perhaps tip their hand to do something bolder. Alex knows the gentlemen he suspects, but he won't divulge their identities to Beth. When the night arrives, Beth, Alex, and Darby are all three running around the ball following suspects. The would-be killer turns out to be someone none of them ever expected, and the masquerade balls ends in a smashing, roaring light in the night.


I enjoyed this interesting plot and story. Alex's history and childhood tragedy add depth to his character, as did Beth's own. Marred reputations and salacious gossip play a large role in the plot for both Alex and Beth and shows how damaging and harmful words can be. The stolen moments that reveal more of each character are what developed their relationship and helped it bloom. The heightened air of suspicions and concern for safety added and moved the plot along at a quick pace.