'I Dared the Duke' by Anna Bennett is book Two in the "The Wayward Wallflowers" series. This is the story of Alexander 'Alex' Savage, the Duke of Blackshire and Miss Elizabeth 'Beth' Lacey. I have read the previous book "My Brown-Eyed Earl" but feel this is easily a standalone book. Beth is the sister of Meg who was the main character in the first book. Beth and her other two sister were consider Wallflowers by the town and Beth is okay with that.
Beth is doing a favor for her Uncle Alistair by being a companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire, who is her Uncle's friend. It is only a temporary job to escort the Duchess to various functions and ease her loneliness now that her niece has married and moved away. Beth is known for having a soft heart and taking in animals and people so this is just the thing Beth needs too... to feel helpful. Beth and her sister had a somewhat tough time after their parents died, so Beth is not only soft but a strong women who does stand up for herself and others.
Alex on the other hand seems to have a temper, short on words, somewhat injured inside and all around tough guy. When someone is out to hurt him he doesn't want the Duchess who is his Grandmother hurt in the process of find out who is behind this. Alex just coldly seems to tell them what he plans to do about the Duchess but Beth isn't haven't it. Beth thinks at first he just wants the Duchess away so he can be a Rake and not be around his Grandmother. But once Beth learns the truth she turns to help him the best she can.
I am totally in love with this series! Ms. Bennett is quickly become a top favorite author for me. Can't want for the next book in this series!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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Alexander Savage is the Duke of Blackshire and has a tormented past. He owes everything to his grandmother who not only raised him but also for all intents and purpose, saved his life. His parents' death not only left scars on his body, but also on his soul. He is very protective of her and when he finds a young lady living with her as a companion.
Elizabeth Lacey has been a companion to the sweet Dowager who's grandson has unexpectedly decided to come to London. He has also informed her she must leave and his grandmother would be going to the country. But instead she agrees on certain conditions, but Alex hasnt told her why they must go.... His life has been threatened twice so far and he's in London to figure out who is trying to kill him.

I LOVED this book and the author brought me to London, her descriptive writing took me to the balls and I was swooning for the Duke.

I enjoyed this book, the second in the Wayward Wallflowers series. You can easily read this one if you haven’t read the first one, “My Brown-Eyed Earl”. This is the middle sister’s chance at love.

Beth Lacey is the companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire, whose grandson, Alexander, is the current Duke. She believes that the Duke resides primarily at his country estate but then he comes to London and everything changes.

Alex expects everyone to jump at his bidding, but Beth doesn’t. He wants his grandmother to move to the dower house on his estate but won’t say why. Beth agrees to move with his Grandmother if he gives his Grandmother 3 wishes. He agrees as he knows someone is trying to hurt him and he doesn’t want anything to happen to his Grandmother, or Beth.

I won’t spoil the rest of the story, but you find out who started calling the girls wallflowers. I did enjoy this book and look forward to the youngest sister’s HEA.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me this ARC. Release date is April 4th.

A delightful romance/mystery. The characters were fun and I did not guess the villain until the end.

This was a light and fluffy read, and enjoyable as long as you suspend belief. The entire story was totally unrealistic. For example I don't believe that a young and attractive woman who was not a family member would ever have resided in an unmarried man's house without being hopelessly compromised. Companions were usually poor relations and of unmarriageable age. The fact that the Duke was thought to be an out and out rake makes it even more unbelievable and Beth's interactions with him were more along the lines of a modern woman. However, if all you want is a spot of escapism, this is the book for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

This is was another sweet, romantic and naughty read from Anna Bennett. The only reason I gave this a 4 instead of a 5 was because the middle dragged on and off so the pace slowed down a bit too much but then picked up again towards the end. I love Alex and Beth. They fight and challenge each other. They learn to see past any labels that society has instilled upon their reputations. There is danger as someone is trying to kill Alex and I can honestly say I had no idea who is was until it was revealed. Beth was able to surpass her wallflower status and become this glorious and lovely rose in society. Alex is so noble as he tries to protect Beth and his grandmother who, by the way, is a piece of work and one tough lady. I have an idea about the next book and I can't wait to see what happens next for the last Wilting Wallflower.

This is the second book in Anna Bennett's The Wayward Wallflower series, and I must say this is just as good as the first.

We have the Rogue of a Duke, a relatives companion and danger, what more do you want to keep you entertain ned, and entertained you surely will be.

I voluntarily received an advanced readers copy from Netgalley.

All my views are my own.

Elizabeth Lacey, the middle sister of the Lacey trio, has been one of the “Wilting Wallflowers” for as long as she can remember. When she accepts a position as the companion to a duchess, Beth finally has the opportunity to feel needed. What she didn’t bargain for was being told to leave by the duchesse’s handsome grandson, the Duke of Blackshire.

Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire, is a rogue with a reputation for leaving women, shall we say, satisfied? Oh, and someone is trying to kill him. Because of this, he is adamant that his grandmother move to the country so that she is out of harms way…except he didn’t account for his grandmother’s new, surprisingly beautiful, companion.

This is the second book in The Wayward Wallflowers series by Ms. Bennett and, in my opinion, it surpasses the first by a mile! Both Beth and Alex were extremely likeable characters, and although they had their secrets, they both had good reasons for keeping them.

One of the things I liked best about this story is that neither of the characters were pretentious or unlikeable. Throughout the whole book, I was rooting for both individuals to grow as people and to find love (ahem, each other). They had such cute moments together and genuinely seemed to recognize the worth of the other, even if they may have judged the other before knowing them.

“’It hasn’t been a complete loss.’ Impulsively, he reached for her hand, laced his fingers through hers and gave a little squeeze.

She blinked in surprise and looked up at him.

He held his breath, wondering if she’d pull away. Hoping she wouldn’t.

Because holding her hand was the best part of his whole damned day. Hell, it might be the best part of his year.”

Now, while the story followed their buding romance, that does not mean that their relationship was without difficulties. Both Alex and Beth had to overcome some presumptions they formed based on the opinions of others. They managed though, and Ms. Bennett kept the plot rolling with the suspense of who was trying to murder Alex.

Some of the best parts of the whole book were instances when the secondary characters made an appearance. Since the duchess is the reason that Beth and Alex met in the first place, it is only fitting that she is a steady character throughout the whole novel. Some of my favorite lines in the whole book came out of the duchess’ mouth. Additionally, the Marquess of Darberville, Darby to Alex, was a great character in contrast to the duke. He was light-hearted and always had Alex’s back, so it would be nice to see a book about him in the future.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to any fans of Julia Quinn, that maybe want a little less heat and a little more love. While it is part of a series, I feel that it could be read alone and you wouldn’t be totally lost.

~ Megan

Too many mysterious accidents have occurred for Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire, not to realize his life is in danger. His biggest concern is protecting the his grandmother, the one woman who helped him survive a fire as child. Only one thing stands in the way and that is his grandmother’s companion, Miss Elizabeth Lacey (dubbed the Wilting Wallflower). She doesn’t understand why the Duke seeks to exile his grandmother to the countryside, but if Alex expects her help she has three wishes he must grant. This proposal might be making more than a few dreams come true.

A delightful follow-up to Anna Bennett’s debut novel. Again there is a perfect combination of romance and humor. Alex and Beth quickly learn that neither is what rumors make them out to be. It was refreshing that the story didn’t rely on simple misunderstandings or lack of communication to further the plot. While the mystery surprised me, it was the simple act of Alex and Beth presenting oneself to the other without the labels they hid behind, that I found beyond charming. I can’t wait for Julia’s turn at true love.

I'm really enjoying Anna Bennett's writing! Her characters have such a spark with each other. It's great.

Here we have Alex, the Duke of Blackshire. Someone is trying to kill him. So, he must get his grandmother to go to the countryside to protect her. There's a problem with that though. Sje has a new companion, Beth Lacey, one of the Wilting Wallflowers. Beth believes him to be an u.caring rake and sort of blackmails him into spending some time with his grandmother before she suggests they leave the city. And that's when he learnsn Beth isn't a wallflower at all.

I loved Beth! She had spunk and gave it as good as she got it from Alex. Alex was pretending to be someone he wasn't and had this awesome soft side that Beth brought out.

The mystery of who wanted Alex dead kept me guessing right up until the end. I loved how it was resolved :)

*thanks to the publisher for sharing a copy of this with me*

This is the second book in the Wayward Wallflowers Series. Alex and Beth's story. Beth has become the Dowager Duchess's companion. She doesn't need to work because her sister married an Earl, (My Brown Eyed Earl, the first book in the series). Beth is a person who needs to be needed. She has to fix things and help people, it is just the way she is. The Duke of Blackshire is a rake of the first order and the Grandson of the Duchess that she is taking care of. She never thought that she would actually be living in the same house as the Duke, but he has moved in and wants her gone!!

Alex has moved back into his townhouse and wants his Grandmother to move to the country because someone is trying to kill him. He doesn't have any idea who would want him dead but he will not take a chance with his beloved Grandmother's life. She took care of him and never left his side when he was burned in the accidental fire that took his parents life. He had no idea that Beth was living with his Grandmother and to make it worse, he was the one who gave them the wallflower nickname that dogged her and her sisters for the last three years.

What they don't count on is the attraction that grows between them until they cannot keep their hands off each other. Add in attempts on Alex's life and you have a mystery that will take you on an adventure that you will thoroughly enjoy. I really like Anna's writing. The plot was well crafted with lots of surprises. The love story was beautiful and sexy. This is enthralling story that has everything you would want in an Historical Romance. Do not miss this one!!!

Received a complimentary copy for an honest review.

The heroine is really irritating as she wants to have a stupid masquerade party for the hero's grandmother and redecorate Alex's study when the hero tells her that someone is trying to kill him. I think that her priorities are definitely messed up. I mean his life is in danger and the things she is worried about is throwing a party and redecorating the house? I did not like this book and will not recommend it.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*

I need to start saying that the covers of this series are AMAZING.
Jon Paul Ferrara is a master at the cover art.

You laugh in the beginning of the book about the Duke of Blackshire's famous qualities in bed. Legendary !!

Elizabeth Lacey is working as a companion for the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire, the current Duke's grandmother.
Until then, Beth had not imagined that she would meet the duke personally since he prefers to spend more time in his county property.
But the duke appears in London for a very simple reason - even if he can not say it to his beloved grandmother: someone is trying to kill him and there were two attempts yet. Probably the third attempt will be fatal.

To convince his grandmother to abandon the frivolity of the Season and go to their county house, Alexander needs Miss Lacey's help and complicity.
The problem is that Beth is not at all impressed by Alex's rake fame and does not agree with his willingness to get rid of his grandmother.

To get help from Beth, she and Alex make a deal, but in the meantime, the attraction that consumes them both becomes stronger and the biggest fear of Alex is that Beth ends up becoming a new target for the unknown killer.

A stubborn wallflower, a masquerade ball and a revelation that hurt the Lacey sisters may be obstacles for the couple to get their HEA.

Captivating characters, good plot, great pace.

5 stars

Publisher's Description:

DARE TO FALL IN LOVE

Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire, is known throughout the ton for three things: the burn scars on his neck, his ornery disposition, and the trail of broken hearts behind him. None of which would concern Miss Elizabeth Lacey in the least—if she weren’t living under his roof. As his grandmother’s companion, Beth is all too concerned with the moody and compelling duke. Incensed by his plans to banish the sweet dowager duchess to the country, Beth refuses to do his bidding. If Alex wants her help, he’s going to have to take her dare…and grant her three wishes.

Alex adores his grandmother, which is precisely why she must leave. A string of unfortunate incidents has him worried for the safety of everyone around him—including the dowager’s loyal and lovely companion, Beth. But the notorious wallflower isn’t as meek as she appears, and as their battle of wills heats up, so does Alex’s desire. He’s dangerously close to falling in love with her…and revealing secrets he’d rather keep hidden. How can he convince her that his darkest days are behind him—and that, for the first time in forever, his heart is true?

I Dared the Duke continues Anna Bennett's Regency-era romance series, The Wayward Wallflowers.

My Thoughts:

This is the second book I have read of this author's and the series.
It is a well written book with a brooding hero and an unlikely heroine. Our Hero is scarred and there seems to be someone who wants him dead.
Our heroine is a wallflower who thinks herself unlikely to marry so she becomes the companion of our hero's grandmother. Our hero loves his grandmother dearly and since his life is in danger he thinks to put her out of reach of any likely assassin.
Can these two find their happily ever after together?
This book is well written with many surprising twists. The storyline is a good one and the characters are well developed.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4 of 5 flames.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I have reviewed voluntarily.

Great characters, witty banter, a little mystery and some sexy times. The focus for me was “all about perception” and “don’t judge” – in a positive light. Alex and Beth are great characters (and Grandmother). I loved their journey to happiness. Ms. Bennett’s books flow nicely and this is a great book to relax with on the weekend with tea/coffee.

Who’s next? Julie, Darby, Coulsen?

NetGalley provided A FREE copy for an HONEST review.

I was glued to this book till the end. I was trying and guessing who the "bad guy" was the whole book. I would have never guess who it turned out to be. Great book. Now I did have one tiny problem, For back in the days and how the women acted or were expected to act. I thought Beth was to carefree with her reputation. Other then that great book.

Beautiful romance loved every minute. Cannot wait to read more by the author

This book was a real pleasure to read! Alex and Beth caracthers are great. I loved the grandmother too!! The plot flows nicely and kept me interested on finding who was after Alex.. Great book!

I started to read this novel, believing that I had to dislike the duke but found that I couldn’t. He might have been a bit unpleasant for a few pages but I liked him from the start. Bennett has created two characters that are enjoyable from the start. Whilst Miss Elizabeth Lacey appears to be set against the Duke (Alex) considering him a rake, she quickly finds herself attracted to him. Alex tries to keep his distance from Elizabeth, fearing that she will be caught up in the accidents that he has been involved in. However, Elizabeth is quite stubborn and is insistent on staying with his grandmother and also ensuring that Alex spends time with her. The more time Alex spends with Elizabeth, the more he finds himself longing to spend more time with her. The attraction between the pair was undeniable and so well done. I also enjoyed the interaction between the secondary characters and their presence, made for a great read. The culprit behind the accidents was not obvious until the very end and it kept me guessing. I will be looking forward to reading more by Anna Bennett.
I received an eARC, from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.