When Mathematician Lady Daphne Forsyth receives news she has inherited a home and all the contents with three other female scholars, she packs her bags as fast as she can. Her benefactress left her more than a house and friendship with the three other lady scholars. She left her the chance to solve the legendary Cameron Cipher and be rewarded with all the riches to be found upon completion. One hitch Daphne doesn’t expect is her benefactress’ nephew, Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, to help her in the quest.

Dalton is a young, handsome, witty Duke who wants to make sure his aunt’s home is in safe hands. When he meets Daphne, he is immediately struck by her beauty and charmed by her plain and more often than not inappropriate speaking.

Both Daphne and Dalton play a large part in the first novel in the series, Ready Set Rogue. They begin this novel with a shocking proposition. Daphne never intends to marry, but she believes she would enjoy the pleasures of the marriage bed. She therefore asks Dalton to be her lover, what we would now call Friends with Benefits. He refuses to be like his father who had numerous affairs and sullied the dukedom. The rejection seems to sting Dalton more than Daphne. Dalton doesn’t give up hope that she will eventually agree to become his wife.

Daphne’s lack of filter had me both laughing and cringing. Not the sort of lady who should be a duchess, but I’m overjoyed that Dalton never gave up on her. After joining her on the hunt for the Cameron Cipher, he learns more about the reasons why Daphne is the way she is. Along the way, Daphne learns to let her heart led her in a direction her head tells her to never tread. I love how Dalton acknowledges several times that he is not as intelligent as the object of his affection, but it is that humble attitude that helps him win her heart.

With death, danger, and a diabolical villain, Duke with Benefits is more than a romance. It’s a journey into the past with love and iminent peril nipping at your heels.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Duke With Benefits is not what you think it will be by the title. Yet, it is still a great book, second in the Studies in Scandal series. This is Daphne and Dalton’s romance. Daphne was able to overcome her lack of social skills present in the first book, but she still has a lot to work on. Although not specifically stated, she appears to possibly have Asperger’s Syndrome – extremely gifted but with very little social grace, and she is uncomfortable looking people in the eye. Thank goodness the handsome Duke of Maitland finds her quirkiness charming, especially after she shocks his by propositioning him. Obviously, he did not know what to do with her forthrightness at first, but the more he was around her, the more he understood her.

Daphne is not bashful about her gift in math, nor does she hide it, although she states in the book she would prefer someone compliment her on something she cannot do but is able to accomplish. Daphne’s father had used her to assist with his gambling addition once he realized her specialty with numbers. He did allow her a tutor to help her learn more about math, but she even surpassed her tutor eventually. So, when she was included with the other bluestockings, she joined them leaving her father behind.

Daphne’s skill brought her to the attention of Lady Celeste Beauchamp, aunt of the Duke of Maitland or Dalton. She along with three other blue stockings were left Celeste’s estate which included a huge library, one of the largest in England if the four young ladies lived there a full year. In the first book in the series, Ready, Set, Rogue, Ivy, one of the bluestockings, and Quill, Dalton’s cousin and a marquess, met and fell in love while solving Aunt’s Celeste’s murder.

Daphne was left a personal letter from the aunt about the Cameron Cipher, clues to finding lost gold. As she goes about methodically searching for the cipher, ghosts from her past show up, her father and her former tutor’s son to name two. As events begin to unfold, you realize there is more going on than just Celeste leaving Daphne clues to find the gold. This is where trouble begins making for a race to find the gold first.

This is a great book in the series but can be a standalone book, too. There are still two bluestockings left, and I hope the chaperon, Serena gets her own book, too. This is a thoroughly enjoy book to read to lighten your weekend.

This story had a little bit of everything. Suspense, romance and the h was a mathematician! You don't always see a strong, smart (smarter than the H) female in historicals - and have the H acknowledge it! It was a good read and definitely kept my interest.

First story I've read by Ms. Collins but it is fantastic. Loved the plot and romance. Great job.

I really enjoyed this story, the characters were funny and not your typical historical romance types. It was a nice change.

Duke With Benefits by Manda Collins is a fantastic historical romance. Ms Collins has penned a story with plenty of suspenseful twists and turns and loaded it with lovable characters. Daphne and Dalton's story has enough drama, humor and spice to keep a reader glued to this book from cover to cover. I totally enjoyed reading Duke With Benefits and look forward to reading more from Manda Collins in the future. Duke With Benefits is book 2 in the Studies in Scandal Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book that I received from NetGalley.

Far more enjoyable than the first in this series, Ready Set Rogue. And there was a lot more action, what with a mysterious cipher, hidden treasure, spies, kidnapping, fake engagement, riddles and clues galore. But the real pleasure was Daphne and Dalton dancing around each other.

In the first book, Daphne was almost insufferably blunt-spoken without no social filters. Here, we find layers of what makes her tick - she's not just an awkward bluestocking so much as someone dealing with real psychological conditions while trying to find a place to belong. The author makes it obvious that Daphne is probably a high-functioning autistic with obsessive compulsive disorder, but it is depicted in a gentle, respectful manner and not as a literary gimmick. I loved that Daphne tried so hard, not to change her true self, but to make adjustments so as not to hurt or offend her newly found friends.

As a result, Dalton wasn't nearly as interesting a character as Daphne, but his obvious adoration and adulation of Daphne, ticks and all, was a lovely tribute. Dalton may not fully understand Daphne, but he loves all of her.

I received a copy of this title from the publisher for an honest review. The second title in the Studies in Scandal series features Lady Daphne, the mathematician with limited social skills. Raised by her father who saw her as a way to pay his bills through her skill with cards, Daphne finds social interactions challenging. She tends to say exactly what is on her mind without thinking and doesn't understand the need to stick to save conversation topics. Three months prior, Daphne propositioned Dalton, the Duke of Maitland to have a strictly physical affair with no strings attached. After growing up with a father known for his scandalous behavior, Dalton refuses Daphne and hurts her feelings. Lady Celeste, Dalton's aunt and Daphne's benefactor, has left clues to the Cameron Cipher for Daphne, but she will need Dalton's help to find a Jacobite treasure. A murder complicates the search; Daphne and Dalton soon realize that they are better together than individually. I could totally relate to Daphne and her social awkwardness and appreciated a character that wasn't socially adept. I love how Dalton understands Daphne's quirks and appreciates of her incredible math skills without feeling threatened. Dalton's defense of Daphne when her father shows up proves that he is the perfect man for her - he is proud of her knowledge but will also protect her from anyone wanting to take advantage of her. Like Manda Collins other stories, the mystery aspect is well done and keeps the reader guessing throughout. I can't wait to see what is in store for the final two beneficiaries of Lady Celeste's legacy.

Duke with Benefits ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ written by Amanda Collins
(Study in Scandals #2)

While is did not read the first book of this series I did find this a throughly enjoyable romance/mystery.

Lady Daphne Forsyth is renowned mathematician she has a true passion for puzzles and alike. It is her gift that brings her to the attention of Lady Celeste. Celeste upon her untimely death bequests her estate the Beauchamp House to four great female minds. Her nephew Dalton Beauchamp upon meeting Lady Daphne is quite intrigued by her abilities and her less than proper struggles to get along with others. Although, Daphne hides a secret from them all about her once almost suffering a rape attack as she becomes close to them she reveals her circumstances.

It is the hidden cypher that truly draws the reader into the story. The cunning way both Dalton and Daphne hunt down clues and become closes and begins to fall in love. The cypher has the reader making assumption as to what the actual treasure is as well as trying to find out who is the murderer.

Here lies my disappointment in this story. Once the treasure box is uncovered we are never told of its contents. Why did the author leave us hanging.

I found the romance lovely both seemed to compliment each other even though Daphne had a long way to travel learning to interact with others. I do believe she succeeded. I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martins Press for an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review of this book.

This book is the second in a series and although I did not read the first book you really didn't have to in order to understand the plot. That's probably the only thing I liked about this book. I found Lady Daphne to be an insufferable main character. In fact, I disliked her so much I that I didn't really care when bad things happened to her. The Duke was not much better. In the beginning I can't tell if he's a rake or a prude. You kind of figure it out halfway through the book but you really only get a one chapter explanation on him and then the story continues.

The writing is about average for a historical romance. I will say Amanda Collins did present an original concept and the book wasn't as formulaic as your typical romance novel. Would I recommend this one? No. Would I read another Manda Collins book? Absolutely, just maybe not another Studies in Scandal book.

I know arguable rating! BUT BUT BUT, I have met people in real life that has the same problem as the heroine, with no filter and too many brains at times where everyday life escapes them. Having said this, i must say I truly enjoyed this book. I found it funny, entertaining and I loved the hero and the heroine had my heart pulling for her with all her problems of not understanding everyday life or people. I truly like the writing by this author and cannot wait for her books to come out. They are entertaining and always enjoyable for me. I enjoy the way the plot lines are different the characters have depth and complexity but overall the books are enjoyable and funny to some extent. I like the romance and honesty within the relationships. I can only say I sincerely enjoyed this book. I was given this arc in return for an honest review. Anna

I thought that Ready, Set, Rogue was my new favorite Manda Collins book and it was, until I read Duke with Benefits! Sorry, Ivy and Quill - Dalton and Daphne's story has taken over as my favorite!

I loved the Duke of Maitland aka Dalton in the first book, he was charming, easy going and obviously head over heels for Daphne. Daphne was a bit off-putting in the first book, not unlikable - she kind of reminded me of Temperance Brennan aka Bones - brilliant, blunt and socially oblivious - not intentionally unkind but still somewhat obnoxious.

The prologue of this book starts shortly before the end of RSR, with Daphne propositioning Dalton and him refusing her. Chapter One starts about 3 months later. Daphne has been searching for the Cameron Cipher, which leads to the stash of gold that the Cameron clan hid after the uprising. The letter that Lady Celeste left for her made it clear that she wanted Daphne to find and solve the cipher. She didn't tell any of the others about her search and reasons that Ivy didn't tell her about her quest and she assumes that Sophia and Gemma have their secrets too. So when, Nigel Sommersby, someone from Daphne's past shows up and mentions the cipher, Daphne must reveal her secret. The others are all willing to help her, but she wants to do it on her own. That is until Sommersby turns up dead and someone takes a shot at Daphne.

Dalton goes into hyper protective mode and is determined to keep Daphne safe. Dalton is the only person that Daphne truly feels comfortable with and even though his rejection still hurts her, she enjoys his company and trusts him. She accepts his offer of protection and begins to open up about her past. The more Dalton hears, the more he wants to keep her safe. So when her father shows up and demands that she leave the estate with him, Dalton claims they are betrothed.

Daphne is stunned by this announcement, but plays along knowing that her father would never turn away a duke! And Dalton convinces her that being betrothed will enable them to spend more time together searching for the cipher without damaging her reputation. What she doesn't know is that Dalton has every intention of making their pretend engagement real.

While following up on a clue, they are caught in a storm and take shelter at an inn. Once inside they are spotted together by an old acquaintance of Dalton's who is a notorious gossip. When "Pinky" makes a rude insinuation about Daphne, Dalton claims that they are married. He later tells Daphne that they must marry and she agrees, if he will be her lover. She wants to make sure that her past will not interfere with their future and makes him promise to let her go if she can't be a true wife to him.

From here the story really takes off, there are more clues, more victims, more betrayal, more steamy love scenes, an abduction, treasure and finally a very sweet HEA.

Daphne really grew as a person in this book and that was due in large part to Dalton. She isn't perfect and is still a bit socially awkward, but it comes across as more endearing than annoying. The relationship between Daphne and Dalton was perfectly paced and believable, I felt the connection between them and it was much more than lust.

I would highly recommend this book and would strongly suggest reading Ready, Set, Rogue before starting this story. It is not 100% necessary, but it will give you a better understanding of the characters and why they are all at the estate. Not to mention it is a really awesome book!

Really enjoyed this book, much better organized than last book., though I liked that one as well. Daphne did grate in last book, but became delightful in this one! The story was well written and interesting, with multiple plot twists. The romance between the H and h is passionate and romantic, very well done. Look forward to the stories of the rest of the ladies!

Daphne and Dalton are a wonderful couple who compliment each other very well. Daphne is a mathematical genius whose blunt manner has always caused many problem swith those around her whereas Dalton may not be a genius but he is a very warm and understanding person who sees the amazing woman behind the social inaptitude.. I loved to see how he helps her and looks out for her, how he fell in love with her and how he found a way to explain her why certain simple things like saying "thank you" and offering praise go a long way to make people accept you,

As Daphne has no reason at all to trust any man, it takes a lot for her, to accept Dalton's help and to start, slowly, very slowly, to trust him - and to finally dare to fall .in love with him.
While those two try to sort out their feelings for each other there's also a big mystery to solve. Working to figure out this riddle and find the hidden treasure while trying to find a murderer at the same time, and keep each other safe, those living at Beauchamp House come to care for each other deeply, For someone like Daphne who hasn't had anyone to trust and to depend upon for a very long time, this is a wonderful experience.

Beauchamp House was left to four women, all of them brillant scholars like their late benefactress, all of them as different as their scholarly interests. but they didn't know how much all their lives would change when they went to live there at Beauchamp House!
As a reader I loved to see their interactions, how they all grew closer and what an impact their new circumstances had on their lives.
The story is interesting and well plotted but it is the characters that really made me fall for this book. Especially Daphne took my heart by storm and it was wonderful to see her spread her wings and dare to live - and love.

Oh, should I mention that the first book in the series "Ready Set Rogue" went straight on my wish list?

Who wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of a sexy, honorable, ducal proposal? Exactly, no one. Which is why Lady Daphne Forsyth is my new role model. She's a bit socially awkward, far more concerned about her academic pursuits, than social graces. Yet, she's caught the eye of Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland. No academic slouch, the Duke's real talent lies in understanding people. From the very beginning Dalton finds Daphne's blunt speaking charming. Their personalities compliment each other and their passion is undeniable. Their’s is a romance laced with a bit of danger and peppered with intrigue and betrayal.

It's an entertaining story and a satisfying read.

I received an ARC of this book, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I received this from Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This is book two in an new series from Manda Collins. I just thought it was okay. We first meet Daphne in book one where she and four others have inherited a house that comes with some stipulations. Daphne is a little bit odd. She just speaks her mind and is little bit rough around the edges. Her man is really uptight. The story was well done but just not a fan of her.

Overall a good read.

The second book in the Studies in Scandal series brings Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, and Lady Daphne Forsythe close as they try to solve the Cameron Riddle Treasure cipher left to Daphne by Dalton's aunt, Lady Celeste.
Lady Daphne lacks tact, and Dalton has charm in spades so Lady Celeste's pairing of them is her solution to solving the age old puzzle.
Murders, assaults and thefts delay but do not deter the pair, their smoking hot attraction only slows them until they submit to the inevitable...each other.
The descriptions of the places, and people are vivid. You come to care for the characters of good character and want to smack the self-centered and dishonest ones.
This is one historical romance/mystery you don't want to miss. I can't wait for Serena, Gemma and Sophie's stories.

This novel was a good continuation about the next woman at the Beauchamp house that Lady Celeste gave to 4 bluestocking women who have great abilities. This novel contains romance, adventure, and mystery.
Lady Daphne Forsyth is a brilliant mathematician, but says exactly what is on her mind. This causes problem with other people due to her bluntness. She is given a cipher by Lady Celeste. She heard about this cipher in her childhood and Lady Celeste wants her to solve it and seek help from her nephew.
Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland, has an immediate interest and attraction to Daphne. He knows he is not as intelligent as she is, but he has a way with people. When Daphne offers to have an affair with her, he turns her down.
Daphne has had a troubled childhood, involving her father. Her father used her abilities to pursue his own interests. When Daphne is confronted by a man from her past that winds up dead, it sets into motion the need to solve the mystery of the cipher Lady Celeste gave to Daphne. As Daphne and Maitland follow the clues left by his aunt, their attraction for each other grows. Maitland would do anything to protect Daphne and after meeting her father, he tells them they are betrothed to keep her safe. However, Daphne has no desire to marry. Daphne and Maitland have to keep one step ahead of others who want to have the treasure for themselves. There are potential suspects, but I did not realize who the main instigator was until this person revealed themselves. Part of the enjoyment of this novel is the mystery of the cipher and the journey to find it. When Daphne is kidnapped, will Maitland be able to save her or will the villain use her to find the treasure and destroy anyone who gets in the way?

Duke With Benefits

The second book in Manda Collin's Studies in Scandals series has a unique quality and so is not like every other Regency Romance. The novel features four young ladies, who unexpectedly inherit a country estate. Lady Celeste Beauchamp, a woman of superior intelligence, wished to enable these four bluestockings to pursue their studies without the responsibilities they have regarding their families. To make sure the ladies have this opportunity Lady Beauchamp bequeathed them her home. A manor complete with artifacts and a fabulous library.

A Duke With Benefits can read as a stand-alone, but it is entertaining to watch these four young ladies begin their relationship as strangers to each other, and develop into a loving family of their own.

The hero and heroine, Dalton Beauchamp, the Duke of Maitland and Lady Daphne Forsyth share witty dialog while trying not enjoy themselves. The passion level between Dalton and Daphne is not combustible, but it is believable. The memorable journey they share is packed with adventures, villains, dark deeds and hidden treasures. I enjoyed reading the tale of Dalton and Daphne as they earn their HEA.