Thanks #NetGalley and #ForeverPublishing for an advanced copy of #ASpinstersGuidetoDangerandDukes by Manda Collins in exchange for an honest review.

If you are looking for a good mystery historical romance, look no further. This was my first book by Manda Collins and I was delighted by the characters and plot development in this book. She created characters that were compelling, an interesting story line, and a wonderful romance all in 352 pages. Ms. Collins' writing style really worked for me as it made the story pass quickly and held my attention throughout. I look forward to going back and reading the rest of this series and others by this author.

Preorder this book - you'll be glad you did.

Fans of Bridgerton and Sherlock Holmes, unite! Manda Collins just gave me everything that I never knew I wanted with a historical romance and murder mystery plot wrapped in one lovely book.

It's no secret that I'm a historical romance girly and this book was one of the best I've read so far this year. I was thrilled to see so many of my favorite tropes encompassed (fake dating, witty banter, stubborn FMC, and kinda enemies to lovers). Poppy was an instantly likable heroine for me as a woman who thought beyond her time while I also fell for Joshua just as quickly. I'm a fan of dukes, I suppose. The book was overall very well written and the dialogue was easy to digest while also keeping true to the time period. I really enjoyed Poppy & Joshua falling for each other and truly becoming friends as well as their time together solving a mystery.

Overall, 10/10. I would *highly* recommend for fans of historical romance with an intriguing mystery layered within!

Book Review 📚⭐️

Ahhh! I adore this series! I received an arc for Manda Collins’s newest release, A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes, and I mistakenly thought I’d read the first book in the series (and also though this was book number two not three 🙃). So, I read all three books in a week, and I have no regrets! Each book follows the same general outline. Girl meets boy. Girl hates boy… for reasons. Someone is ☠️ RIP. Girl decides to investigate. Boy begrudgingly helps girl. Stolen kisses, heated glances, a few spicy moments. They catch the bad guy. Happily Ever After. The end. 🎀

It’s pretty straightforward of a historical, mystery, romcom, but with a heavy emphasis placed on the inequalities faced by women at the time. I think that’s most apparent in this book with the power Poppy’s stepfather held over her. I thought Poppy and Langham’s relationship developed well from fake betrothal to *gasp* a ✨real✨ betrothal and true partnership. Now, I’ll be honest, in the last 80 pages or so, this book went off the rails in a way I was not expecting, and while it was wild and very unexpected, it sure kept me invested!

If you need a fun, easy read, and enjoy histroms, check out this series! A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes is out 3/28! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Poppy Delamare fled her home and an awful marriage proposal and has lived the last two years in London as Flora Deaver. However when her younger sister is accused of murder Poppy returns home to try and clear Violet’s name.

A chance encounter with Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham, at the train station soon leads to a fake betrothal that will benefit them both. A fake fiancée will keep the Duke’s grandmama from pushing every available lady his way while he’s home visiting. And being on the arm of the Duke will help give Poppy protection and power as she investigates to find the true murderer. But as time goes on their feelings grow and they both begin to wish this engagement was real.

A fake engagement, Bridgerton vibe romance with a side of murder mystery? Sign me up 🙋🏻‍♀️

This was such a fun read, it was exactly what I needed to get out of my little reading slump.

I absolutely adored Poppy and the Duke. Poppy was such a fiery, intelligent, loyal heroine it was beyond way to route for her. And the Duke was such a caring, sweet, protective gentlemen that I fell in love with him right along with Poppy!

The murder mystery is not the main focus of the story but it was a great addition. Although I do wish it had gotten a little more time to develop, overall I enjoyed it.

This is the third book in the series, but I was able to read it as a stand alone. The previous two books and characters were mentioned but the story itself was separate. Although since I enjoyed this one so much I will definitely be going back to read the first two!

This is the third book in the A Ladies Guide series. You don’t have to read the other two books, but I think it would have helped the story if I did.

This book is based in the 1800s. It follows Poppy who was previously mentioned in the last two books in the series known as Flora.

Poppy has to return home to try and save her sister. Her sister is accused of killing her husband so Poppy is on a mission to save her.

The Duke of Langeham befriends Poppy and their relationship grows. I loved this part of the book the most.

This is a good mystery read with some romance mixed in especially if you enjoy the Bridgerton series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes follows Poppy as she works to solve the murder of her sisters husband. With all signs pointing to Poppy’s sister, Poppy is determined to find out who the real killer with. This journey includes a fake engagement, steamy moments, and an eventful plot. I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for more Bridgerton-esque reads!

I liked this one a lot better than the previous two in the series (which I gave 3 stars). This one had a fake engagement, which is a trope I like, and there was more tension in the love story. The murder mystery was pretty good (I didn't figure it out until closer to when the characters did). All in all, I had fun reading this book.

This book is a must read for fans of regency romance. It contains one of my favorite tropes: fake dating/fake engagement and does not disappoint.

The engine of this romance is a murder mystery that beautifully unravels over the course of the book. It is a fantastic vehicle that keeps the plot from relying too heavily on miscommunication tropes common to the genre.

Our main characters, Poppy and Joshua are so well-balanced. They are strong and vulnerable and complement each other so well. Their romance feels organic and earned.

3.5⭐️

A super fun & quick read! I enjoyed the blending of regency romance with a thread of whodunit mystery. A dual pov approach is always interesting, especially when one of them is from the male’s perspective. Some parts reminded me of Jane-Austen-esque societal structure and behavioral norms for lads & ladies; but other parts seemed strangely modern, like the heroine asking the hero about different spots he’s made love to women in…a bit historically inaccurate in my opinion.

This is the third book in a series. While I was able to enjoy it as a stand-alone, I think it sits better in the context of the series. I think I would’ve connected to the various characters a little better and understood some of the prior context that was referenced throughout this third installment if I read the first two books prior. I will, though, be going back and doing just that - I enjoyed this one that much!

There is an open-door explicit sex scene at 70% which was way too long given the number of pages I had to flip through to skip it. I also found the satanic society storyline a bit forced and plain weird. A couple light curse words and one f-word.

Thank you to Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary ebook in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is the third in Manda Collins’ “Ladies Most Scandalous” series. These are historical (1867) mystery romances and I’ve read the previous two books. This begins with Poppy Delamare trying to catch a train to the country. She has been living the last two year under an assumed name and working as a secretary for Katherine and Caroline who were the MC’s in the previous books. They are firmly in the ton but write an infamous crime column.

Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham assists Poppy letting her ride in his private car as they are heading to the same place. They know each other as he is friends with the now spouses of Katherine and Caro. She tells him about her past and the fact that her half sister has been accused of killing her spouse. Poppy fled her stepfathers home two years before because he was going to force her to marry the man whom her sister wed. Langham offers to help Poppy investigate the crime and use his influence to protect his sister. In exchange he asks her to pose as his betrothed. He is on his way to a week long house party put on by his grandmother that will be packed full of eligible woman. He wants to avoid their attentions. I love that Poppy can hold her own with his family and the house guests.

The friendship between the Poppy and Langham is the first thing that stands out. They aren’t strangers which helps pull off their charade. The mystery is more convoluted. You know who the bad characters but it isn’t as clear who to trust. I’d say this has a bit more romance than the previous books but it is still primarily a mystery. Katherine, Caro and their spouse make appearances in the story but this can be read on its own.

I enjoyed this book and the entire series. But the mystery is the driving force of the books with the romances on the side. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC and I’m leaving a voluntary review.

Fake engagement, a heroine who's been living a double life, a sister accused of murdering her own husband, a secret society, and maybe the softest, most considerate duke you've ever read? Need I say more?

After fleeing her family and a stepfather who was forcing a fiancee on her, Poppy Delamere's been working for Kate and Caro for the last two years as a secretary under an assumed name. But when her sister is accused of murdering her husband, Poppy must return home and reveal herself in the process to get to the bottom of it. After a bit of bad luck at the train station, she's rescued by the Duke of Langham who happens to be on his way to his country estate for a house party hosted by his grandmother.

Poppy's a delightful heroine who holds her own and Langham...this guy is just nice. And how often can you say that about a duke? I love that eventually we get the gang back together with appearances from Eversham, Val, Kate and Caro. Plus, this one sets up really nicely for more stories (fingers crossed) as we meet Langham's siblings. These two fall for each other pretty quickly, but it's less steamy than the last installment in the series.

If I were to give my ranking of this one within its series, I'd put A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes at #2. Caro and Val are still my favorite.

3.5 stars

After reading a disturbing news article, Miss Poppy Delamare has abandoned the life she created in London to return home and free her sister from a false accusation of murder. When she unexpectedly collides (literally) with the Duke of Langham on the station platform, the two strike up a quick and mutually beneficial agreement. Poppy will play the Duke’s betrothed at a house party, and he will assist her in clearing her sister’s name. They each agree to play the part and no more, what could possibly go amiss?

This one really had quite a bit to love! A murder mystery, mutually pining leads, a sinister cult, and a daring rescue. Out of the three books in this interconnected historical romance series, this novel’s mystery was my favorite, and I had fun guessing and following potential suspects in the cozy village setting! Where these books really shine for me is when the leads from previous books get together to help solve the mystery, I just wish they had been around throughout the whole novel! Easily read as a standalone, or binged as a series, I hope to read more of the Ladies Most Scandalous!

Thank you to Netgalley, Forever, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book!

POV: Dual
Spice: 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️

This is my first book from the author and I’m so glad I read it! I only wish I would’ve read the previous books sooner, even though it wasn’t necessary to read this one as it made a good standalone.

I loved Poppy and Joshua’s relationship and the instant chemistry I could feel! They went from being enemies to friends/fake fiancés, to lovers and it’s not hard to see how they fell so quickly for each other as they were both great characters. Joshua was one of the most good hearted dukes I’ve ever read and I liked how Poppy could put just about anyone in their place!

I loved the suspense that started from the very beginning and it definitely went a different direction than what I was expecting. Add in the great friendships from both Poppy and Joshua’s side and a lot of funny banter with a little steam, this was the historical rom com I needed!

Manda Collins' books have really grown on me. I feel like she has grown as a writer, and her characters are more complex and interesting. I read the first in this series, and liked it, but I thought it was a bit slow. This one I could get into more readily, and the murder plot here kept it. moving along quite nicely.

Joshua, the Duke in this book, is kind from the beginning. I liked that I didn't have to warm up to him. He was decent from the start, and very patient with how Poppy seems to immediately dislike and distrust him. What you learn about Poppy's past helps explain why she's so suspicious of men. Poppy and Josh work well together, and their relationship grows naturally out of their time trying to solve the case of Poppy's sister's husband's murder. I also really admire the way Collins wrote the sex scene between the two, with lots of communication, and Poppy's own determination to be in charge of her decisions.

A sweet book. Nothing that you wouldn't expect from a Regency Romance, and sometimes that's just really nice.

Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC of this book.

Poppy and Joshua strike a deal: he'll help untangle her sister from a murder charge if she poses as his fiancée. His mother has planned a house party to find him a wife, and he has no interest in title-hungry debutantes. In their search for the real killer, will Poppy and Joshua become the next victims?

This book is a wild ride. Hidden chambers, secret societies—there's plenty of intrigue to go along with the passionate romance, witty banter, and strong personalities. A fun, funny, and memorable novel.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I always love Manda Collins's books, and this was no exception. Smart, sharp, witty, and oh so funny (plus a swoon-worthy romance), A SPINSTER'S GUIDE TO DANGER AND DUKES is the perfect third installment of this fantastic series. If you're a fan of the Victorian era, murder mysteries, and romance, then this book is definitely for you!

(Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Any quotes are taken from an advanced copy and may be subject to change upon final publication.)

We're back in 1867 England, this time solving the mystery of Mr. Lovell’s murder while navigating London society. As always, we love a little historical romance mixed in with a murder mystery!   

Poppy and Langham had a rocky start and are not friends. His reputation fills the gossip pages and Poppy doesn't have time for that! But she just found out that her sister has been accused of murdering her husband - the man she was supposed to marry years ago and ran away from. Langham is on his way to his country estate to celebrate his beloved Grandmother. To solve both their problems, he proposes they help each other by entering a fake engagement. He can help her sister with this Duke influence and she can keep the parade of eligible ladies away! 

Poppy is headstrong and Langham understands and likes that, which leads to a lovely friendship that stems from their mutual respect. It was interesting to see the different ways women are treated and viewed in society especially when she is introduced as his fiancee and the other women instantly judge her appearance. They were almost strangers when they embarked on this fake engagement and seeing them get to know each other while solving the mysteries in Little Kidding is what made this book entertaining.

Although this is the third book in a series, it can be read as a standalone because the other two couples are not vital to the story but do make an appearance (which we always love). These books are good at showcasing strong willed women who don't conform to society and the men who love them!

What we liked:
▪️Fake Engagement with lots of pining
▪️Murder mystery
▪️The banter between the couples (past & present books)
▪️ Getting a regency hit

What we didn’t like:
▪️a bit of a spoiler: the cultish secret society was a little much

Having run off to avoid an unwanted marriage arranged by her con man of a stepfather, Poppy Delamare had reinvented herself as secretary Flora Diver. When news reaches her that her sister - who was pushed into that marriage in her absence - is the main suspect in his murder she finds herself returning to try rescue her (and figure out what really happened)

Chance, and an unfortunate purse snatching, has her intercepted by Joshua langham, a Duke headed to the same place she is. He agrees to assist her in transport and using his own name to help clear her sister’s. All he asks in return is the tiny favor of a temporary fake engagement. Just long enough to get his family, mainly his matchmaking grandmother, off his back for this trip.

What could possibly go wrong!
Many things, in fact, could go wrong.
Trying to solve one murder leads to uncovering so much more - schemes, blackmail, additional murders, and even a cult! Things escalated *quite* quickly after they entered the caves.
Of course, aside from all the investigating, they still have to handle the society part of their deal and a relationship that seems less and less fake as time goes by.

I enjoyed the bits of banter and flirting, even more so their determination to redefine the behaviors and feelings of friends as a cover for their mutual pining.

This is the third book in the Ladies Most Scandalous series, but reading the other two books first isn’t necessary. That said, I enjoyed the appearances of those characters in this book enough that I plan on going back to see how their stories went.

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the ARC!

I love this series! It has just the right amount of suspense and romance for me, while giving me all the regency feels. Joshua (Langham) and Poppy run into each other at the train station. Poppy is returning home because her sister is accused of unaliving her husband and Poppy knows she didn't do it. Joshua is returning to his abbey for a party his grandmother is throwing, and while there, he will have women paraded in front of him because it is high time for him to find a wife.
Joshua only recently has taken to the idea of settling down and he isn't sure that the women she gives him as choices are what he wants. He wants someone who challenges him, someone who gets under his skin and he can't live without.
Poppy has been lying to her friends for two years. Ever since she ran away from home because she was being forced into a marriage she didn't want. Joshua and Poppy have met, but Poppy thinks he is very full of himself and she relys on no man. It's just, that right now, she might not have a choice. She needs help trying to figure out what happened to her sister and navigating all the red tape and a duke's protection sure would help.
Joshua doesn't have alterior motives when he suggests that Poppy play the part of his betrothed, but the more he is around her, the more he falls for her, bit by bit.
I honestly didn't see the twist coming here and I felt that it was a little more face paced and gritty than the first two in the series. What I love about these books are that when the hero falls, he falls fast and it's all he can think about. I can't wait to continue the series!
Thank you to Forever (GCP), Netgalley and Manda Collins for an early copy.

Oh historical romances are fun... and add in a murder mystery and I'm hooked!

Romance side:
- I loved Poppy and Langham immediately. Poppy is a spitfire and I like the way they complimented each other.
- The fake dating/engagement was perfect. Langham is so protective over Poppy, I swoon.
- You can see the "hate to love" happening, each interaction they have is better and better

Murder Mystery side:
- Poppy's sister is framed for the murder of her no-good husband
- You've got cult vibes
- You think you can trust them, but can you?

The timeline was great for me but the pacing was a little slow in the middle, it felt like we kept explaining a lot of the same murder mystery info again and again. But that ending? Loved it!

Thanks NetGalley, Forever, and Manda Collins for an eARC in exchange for a review!