Duke with Benefits” is the second in the series “Studies in Scandal” by Amanda Collins. It follows Lady Daphne Forsyth who has inherited Beauchamp House from Lady Celeste, along with her three friends. However, it is quickly revealed that Daphne believes that Lady Celeste was murdered. She believes that Celeste’s death may have been at the hands of criminals. It is only upon meeting someone from her past, that she reveals her suspicions; that the criminals were trying to uncover the location of the treasure, believing that the clues were hidden at Beauchamp House.
Daphne has an incredible mathematical mind and her love for puzzles, finds her trying to uncover the clues with Celeste’s nephew, the Duke of Maitland (Dalton). She believes that if she can solve the puzzle, she will uncover the murderer.
I found the story enjoyable once Daphne overcame her initial arrogance especially regarding her greater intelligence than Dalton. Whilst Daphne struggles to overcome her bluntness, Dalton makes up for this through his ability to charm everyone he encounters. Their relationship was well developed and made this story all the more enjoyable.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Four young ladies with different academic talents have inherited Beauchamp House from Lady Celeste who they had also never previously met. The condition for them to receive their share of their inheritance is they must live together in Beauchamp House for a year and Lady Celeste has left letters for all of them. In her letter to Lady Daphne Forsyth she challenges her to find and solve the notorious Cameron Cipher and suggests that her nephew, Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, could assist her in this quest.
Lady Daphne Forsyth is a brilliant mathematician with a burning passion for puzzles. When she learns that the library at Beauchamp House houses the legendary Cameron Cipher, Daphne is on the case. Unfortunately, her race to unlock the cipher’s code is continually thwarted by a deliciously handsome distraction she hadn’t counted on and cannot resist. Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, he’s intrigued by her bold yet calculating manner.
Another very good read about the second of the four bluestockings that inherited from Lady Celeste. This book could be a stand-alone book but if like me you love series then I’d recommend reading Ivy’s story. I didn’t warm to Daphne in the previous book but she certainly improved with the help of Dalton who is so charming. There was an attraction between the pair in the previous book & it only grows in this. The book is well written, mystery surrounding the cipher had me reading long after I should have been doing other things. The pace is very good. The characters are very well portrayed & have lots of depth of character. I’m now looking forward to the next book in the series.

Second book in the Studies in Scandal series, and this one is about Lady Daphne, the very direct, tell it like it is Daphne who we met in the first book, and the Duke of Maitland, Dalton.

I thought the first book was good, and this one is too, I can't wait for the others in this series, they get better and better.

I received an advanced readers copy from Netgalley and I voluntarily leave my own honest opinion

This is the second book in the Studies in Scandal series that was introduced in book #1, Ready Set Rogue. The series deals with four highly intelligent young women who together inherit a country estate from a benefactress who believes in their bluestocking leanings. To keep their inheritance the women must live at the estate for a year.
Daphne Forsyth has an inability to tell a white lie, she takes most everything spoken literally, which often causes others to have hurt feelings. This distresses Daphne since she is really a nice young woman who does not mean to hurt her friends. Dalton finds her entertaining and tries to help with her social faux pas. He is also falling in love with her and meets resistance from Daphne who has no desire to marry. She is content to be a bluestocking mathematician. There are evil villains who will stop at nothing to secure the treasure for themselves.
I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series. The romance is fun and certainly steamy, the mystery kept me guessing and the characters are well developed. I do think the reader will enjoy this book more if they read the first book in the series. That book gives a true foundation for the mysteries and the young women. However this book can be read as a standalone.
I can recommend this book to all Historical Romance readers. I certainly look forward to the next book in the series.
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I like this book, but it wasn't as good as the first one in the series and if you didn't read the first one, you might be a bit confused in the beginning. Taken as a stand alone, it is alright. But it works as part of the series and answers questions left over from the first novel. Our heroine is interesting and clearly not neurotypical. Our hero is perfectly happy that the heroine is far more clever than he is, and his people skills are a lovely balance to her math skills.

Duke with Benefits was a fantastic read with an intriguing mystery and a romance I couldn’t help but root for!

Daphne Forsyth, a brilliant mathematician, has come to Beauchamp House to find and decode the Cameron Cipher which is said to lead to great riches. Lady Celeste has left Daphne the cipher, hidden somewhere in the library at Beauchamp House and she need only find it. As Daphne begins her search for the cipher, she is quickly waylaid by the distraction that is Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland. Soon the two are caught up in the search for the cipher while trying to deal with the growing attraction between them. However the search quickly turns perilous when they discover someone else is looking for the cipher and they’re willing to kill to find it.

Daphne was my favorite character in the first book, Ready Set Rogue, so I was very excited to read her book. She has no filter and says exactly what she’s thinking which has a tendency to get her in trouble. She doesn’t understand most social conventions and will usually choose to avoid people if possible. Dalton is a man of honor and believes in doing the right thing. After witnessing his father’s terrible treatment of women, he vowed never to do the same. He has a wonderful relationship with the rest of his family and has a generally positive outlook on life.

Daphne and Dalton work very well together both in their quest to find the Cameron Cipher and as a couple. While Daphne can be awkward, Dalton is quite charming and deals well with people. Daphne is definitely the brains behind their operation and Dalton is more than willing to defer to her expertise. He’s fascinated by Daphne and thinks it’s amazing the way her mind works. Their chemistry is off the charts and their relationship develops wonderfully throughout the book.

The mystery of the Cameron Cipher and the treasure was a lot of fun. I love anything dealing with treasure hunts and setting one in the Regency period was like pure gold for me. I loved how none of the clues were straightforward and how Daphne was the only one able to figure them out. I also really enjoyed how the author set up who else was searching for the cipher. She does a good job at keeping you guessing and while my guess at the suspect was correct, it was still a lot of fun watching everything unfold.

Overall, I enjoyed Duke with Benefits much more than the first book in the series, Ready Set Rogue, and will definitely be continuing on with the series.

I must admit, the sequel here is much better than the first book. While Ready Set Rogue, the first book in this series, had a lot of time lapse issues, this novel flowed well throughout its entirety. I appreciated that this one was not a whirlwind romance as the couple had known and interacted with one another four months prior to the beginning of this book. It was refreshing not to have insta-love.

As for characters, Maitland is an adorably sweet hero who any girl would swoon for, whereas Daphne takes a bit more to get used to her. I enjoyed the growth of Daphne’s character from beginning to end. She ends up being a lovely character who needs a little more of a filter.

Overall this was a pretty good romance novel that I recommend to fans of the genre.

I was excited to read this book! Manda Collins has great storylines and creates unique, intriguing characters. The main problem I had with this book was the heroine - she just was way over-the-top in her lack of understanding basic social skills. I get that she was extremely isolated growing up and didn't have much interaction with women or polite society. But she can't even understand basic phrases, such as "plain as the nose on your face" and ideas being "palatable". It got really annoying, and I found her less and less attractive as a heroine. But couldn't connect with her on a personal level, so it held me back from enjoying the book. I did try many times to take a break and come back to it, but it didn't make a difference. This book just didn't do it for me.

Duke With Benefits had me completely enthralled from page one. Mentally, I did an excited little happy dance after reading the first few pages as I realised that this was going to be a gem of a story.
I love historical mysteries and this one didn't disappoint. Secret rooms, a hidden cipher, a lost treasure, not to mention a murderer on the loose made this a great romantic adventure not to be missed.

Daphne and Maitland make a lovely couple. They don't have any silly misunderstandings or huge squabbles because they actually talk to each other. Daphne speaks her mind very matter of factly and Maitland is always at hand to support, help and protect Daphne from any threats that come their way during their investigations.
The supporting cast were equally as likeable and entertaining. I am particularly intrigued with Maitland's sister as she had quite a troubled back story and so I am itching to see what happens next.

Its easy to like the Duke of Maitland. He is a natural charmer, and good with people. Daphne Forsyth on the other hand is a natural with numbers, and good at solving puzzles. This unlikely pair find that they are a natural match as they work together to uncover a long hidden treasure, and thwart the villains who are competing with them in the chase.

Manda Collins tells the tale with humor and heat. A fun read!

Mystery, intrigue, danger and romance keep the reader enthralled in this story. This is the second title in the studies in scandal series and although I had not read the first story in this series it did not hinder my enjoyment of this story.
There is so much mystery and intrigue as well as romance right from the get go that I was immediately pulled into the drama. I wanted to know all about Lady Daphne Forsthy's past and her attraction to the Duke of Maitland. Would their instant spark of attraction between them that was unlike anything she'd ever felt before be true love or would it be like so many other relationships she had witnessed in her life, and he would try to manipulate her gifts in mathematics and deciphering puzzles for his own gain. I thought Daphne and Dalton had great chemistry together and there were a few hot sex scenes throughout the book.
A lot happens in a short period of time. Their attraction, him wanting to help her and his protectiveness as well as murder and drama as they search for the Cameron Cipher. There are a few sub characters that are involved and there is lots of mystery surrounding them, who they are and how exactly they play into everything. I was completely intrigued but always wanting more information.
With twists and turns along the way that keep you guessing, you will find yourself captivated until the end.
What will become of Lady Daphne and Duke of Maitland's attraction? Will Lady Daphne decipher the Cameron cipher? You will have to read to find out.

Received a copy through the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily wrote an honest review.

I’ve read a few of Manda Collins’s books. Book two of Studies in Scandal, is the first I’ve read of this series.

People come in all colors. There are those who are socially adept and then those who are, well...not. Intelligence shines where apparent. Most of us manage to have some intelligence and social breeding, but there are those who excel way beyond the pack.

This being said, the heroine, Daphne, is very clever in the field of mathematics, but, dear readers, dismally failing in social politeness. Her problem? She is unerringly accurate in what she says. It must be from how she looks at the world.

Her father has used Daphne’s cleverness in the past to make money to pay his debts. She’s a master at cards.

When talking to Daphne, you can be rest assured she knows she's more than qualified in mathematics, making sure you are aware, too, and her plain-speech can be a bit offsetting. Did I say a bit? She is very offsetting to most people, but one Dalton Beauchamp, Duke of Maitland is intrigued, amused and outright entertained with Daphne’s manner of speech.

Dalton is easy-going, another nephew to Lady Celeste, always making those around him comfortable. He has occasion to smooth things over when Daphne starts telling people what she thinks. She has me chortling and embarrassed for the poor girl. Daphne realizes her plain-speech is considered to be rude and may also hurt people’s feelings. Unfortunately, she doesn’t know how else to talk.

Daphne has never been attracted to a man. She’s actually avoided them for some time, ever since she was accosted by her tutor’s son. But she is attracted to Dalton. When she discovers her feelings, she proposes she bed him (yes, this is true)! He is shocked and tells her, it wouldn’t be appropriate. This creates bad feelings and humiliation for Daphne, but Dalton can’t seem to get the idea out of his head. Hell yes, he wants to bed her! Very comical situation. Dalton is nothing but the gentleman. Daphne is discovering herself, making her thoroughly confused.

Lady Celeste, recently passed, left her wealth to four young women, all acclaimed in their field of study. Of the four, Ivy has married Marquess of Kerr, nephew to Lady Celeste (their story in book one).

Each woman inherits ¼ of Beauchamp Hall and to retain her share she must remain at the hall for one year. Additionally, Lady Celeste, a person of intelligence herself, concocted a puzzle with hints to the ultimate treasure. This was left for Daphne. The Cameron Cipher is a message, in code, which locates where the leader of clan Cameron hid the Jacobite gold meant for the Pretender in ‘forty-five. Daphne's competitive nature is brought out while working on the cipher.

This story, well-written, fast-paced with great engaging developed characters, a romance with mystery and suspense aspects, kept me entertained, particularly with the humorous tones throughout the read. There was no way I could put the book down. Upper-most in my mind was what will happen next? I look forward to reading book three.

ARC copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair review.

This is one of the best suspense filled regency romance series I have ever had the pleasure to read. I loved the first book in the series and was eager to read the subsequent books so grabbed the opportunity to read this, via NetGalley, with absolute delight. The background is that four bluestocking, very talented young ladies have been brought together by being the heirs to Lady Celeste who they had also never previously met. The condition for them to receive their share of their inheritance is they must live together in Beauchamp House for a year and Lady Celeste has left letters for all of them. In her letter to Lady Daphne Forsyth she challenges her to find and solve the notorious Cameron Cipher and suggests that her nephew, Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, could assist her in this quest. However, they aren't the only ones seeking to discover the treasure in this brilliant, action packed novel!

The characters are complex but brought to life by this talented author. Lady Daphne is one of the foremost mathematicians of her age but she struggles with social conventions - often causing offence with her honest opinions and straightforward manner. This, however, endears her to the Duke of Maitland and the attraction between them rapidly grows. However, there are distractions from their endeavours as victims of their unknown competitor include someone being murdered, another seriously injured and there's even a kidnapping. The story has plenty of twists and turns, a real page turner that had me enthralled from the very beginning. I am so impressed with this author's skill at bringing her story to life in the imagination of the reader and, although this mystery is solved, I can't wait to read future novels in this series!

Whilst you await it becoming available, I recommend reading the first novel in this series, Ready Set Rogue  before this one!

An interesting book about the eccentric ladies who are brought together as they inherit an estate. This is the second book in the installment and Daphne with her amazing analytical mind is the focus. She is terrible at all personal interactions and has been terribly misused by her Father. You will find yourself easily engaged. Do yourself a favor and also pick up the first book in the series.

~ARC given by the publisher via NetGalley.~

The Second book of the series.

In book one, all of the four ladies were introduced. Along with the rest of the characters in the book. The thing is, from book one, the Duke of Maitland, Dalton have already set his sights on Lady Daphne Forsyth.

I must say, I really enjoyed how this book started and how it ended.

As a woman with an exceptional mathematical mind, Daphne always had a hard time coping with the people around her. She is unable to curb her thoughts so to speak. Hence, people tend to stay away from her due to her bluntness. Dalton on the other hand may not posses a great mind, but his social skills is really good.

Each book seemed to have pattern pf sorts. Ivy and Quill had to look for a killer, while Daphne is treasure hunting. Though honestly, the series is a form of extreme matchmaking. Yup. and that made the series interesting.

What would the next book like? Will there be another rainy encounter? I really like that. Who will be the next Scholar to fall in love?

I gave this book 4 stars. It was a good book but took awhile for me to read it. Had good characters and I like that it's in a series but I felt like it was a bit drawn out.

This book is filled with secrets, a murder mystery, romance and more. Sit back and enjoy where all the turns lead you. The characters were all likeable in their good and bad ways. I hope to see more of them in the future.

Daphne, the heroine of this story, is a genius in mathematics but socially awkward and always tends to say the wrong things. She has a hard time picking up social cues and reading others emotions.

Dalton, The Duke of Maitland, is attracted to Daphne and offers to help her in her quest to find the Cameron Cipher. Dalton is socially skilled and good with people.

We were introduced to these two characters in the first book of the series. It was interesting to see things from Daphne's point of view and how she interpreted the events around her.

Dalton and Daphne balance each other out as characters. The mystery they embark on to solve shows how well they work together and complement each other.

I'm looking forward to reading the next story in this series.

I read the first book in this series and was a little disappointed, but DUKE WITH BENEFITS was a delightful read. The second story dealing with four bluestockings who inherit the Beauchamp house is much more fleshed out without the timeline problems that happened in the first book. I loved Daphne Forsythe, the brilliant, but socially awkward, mathematician. When she meets Dalton Beauchamp, Duke of Maitland, she felt safe for the first time in her life around men. Dalton is an honorable man and is shocked with Daphne propositions him with a tryst. He rejects it out of hand, but Daphne takes it as a rejection of her. In the meantime, all four ladies help Daphne find the Cameron cypher, which is reported to lead to a chest of gold, buried for hundreds of years near Beauchamp House.

Ms. Collins does a great job teasing out the relationship between Daphne and Dalton without using the instant lust I see in so many regency novels. Their romance was a slow boil and very believable. Fans of Regency romances with a intriguing mystery thrown in will definitely enjoy this book. I look forward to the next book in this series.

This is unusual, in having a believable heroine on the AS spectrum, and not "fixing" her, but having her unique talents as a math prodigy be central to resolving the treasure hunt of the plot, and having the hero treasure her for her mind.