This book had so much potential because the premise is so intriguing. But man did it miss the mark. It continuously sucked up to the main character which made her INSUFFERABLE!!! Please just let me decide I like a character instead of narrating about how cool and independent she is. I swear every character in this gives a mini speech about what an amazing badass she is. The male lead was blah albeit not as grating as the protagonist. A good 50% of the dialogue is repetitive and easily skimmed over. I love cheesy romance novels but the execution of this made even me cringe. It's so difficult to enjoy the plot when you just can't get past the faulty character design and writing style.

After her sister is accused of murder, Poppy Delamere finds herself returning to the family she left two years ago running away from an unwanted marriage. Escaping to London Poppy took on the assumed name of Flora Deaver to work as a secretary.

Of course, Poppy has no idea what she's going to do, but she can't abandon her sister. Running into the Duke of Langham on the train out of London proves fortuitous because he offers his assistance in ensuring the power of his title provides a fair investigation into the murder.

However, Langham needs something from Poppy as well. He's on his way to visit the dowager duchess and of course, he expects to be inundated with all the eligible ladies of the ton. Unless that is, he already comes with a betrothed in hand. Poppy agrees to pose as the Duke's intended for his help with her sister's case.

Soon, it's less about keeping up appearances and more about discovering their true feelings for one another.

I've really enjoyed this series and I have to say this one is by far my favorite. I just felt like the stakes were a little higher than in the previous books which upped the suspense and that was something I liked a lot. I really became invested in the mystery. I don't know if it's something about the history of the town and the kind of secrets that can grow from small communities and things from that past that are kept hidden. It really drew me in.

I liked that Poppy and Langham finally got to the forefront of the story. They've both been interesting secondary characters and I remember thinking in the previous book that they had a good brief interaction that would be wonderful to expand upon.

I think that Manda Collins did a great job of balancing so many aspects of the story. The fake engagement played well into the overarching mystery aspect of the story which of course includes murder, secrets, and deception. It never felt like there was too much or that anything was out of place within the narrative.

I don't know if there will be any more in this series. There were no secondary characters who stuck out and clicked for me this time around like in the previous, but there are certainly other characters who could become involved in a mystery of their own.

Overall, another page-turning mystery full of romance from Manda Collins.

It’s difficult for a woman in 1867 England to be taken seriously, particularly a single one interfering with murder investigations.

Poppy Delamere ran away to London with a new name to avoid an arranged marriage and avoid being found by her scheming step-father. Little could she guess her sister would be offered in her place.

Poppy is racing to save her sister from being accused of murder when she runs straight into the dashing Joshua Fielding, Duke of Langham. She finds herself agreeing to a staged betrothal in exchange for the Duke’s help.

He gets protection from ring-seeking ladies paraded about by his grandmother while she has protection as she attempts to clear her sister Violet’s name after Violet’s husband is found dead. It doesn’t take the entire week for more than one truth to be exposed.

It’s an action packed week filled with high societies, dark societies, and …. Love?

“A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes” is the third book by Manda Collins. I hesitate to call it an official series. There are references to events in the prior books and appearances of characters, but there is no need to have read the prior two to enjoy this one. I do highly recommend the others as well though.

I was quickly swept up in the world of Little Kidding, captivated by the alternating narrative from the fiery duo. Manda brings her well-honed witty one liners in this historical adult romance that keeps you guessing and giggling.

It’s made for fans of Bridgerton looking for that quick weekend or road trip read. It isn’t highly suspenseful, but I couldn’t put it down. Pick out your favorite hot tea and settle in with your new best friends.

Poppy and Joshua were great characters. I love a fake engagement and this one didn't disappoint. While I thought their romance progressed a little too fast (whiplash-y, almost), there's a lot of good banter. It's not really a hate to love, it's a 'slight annoyance to love' but I was satisfied with the way they helped each other out and improved each other's perspectives on life. Poppy's super strong personality was part of this- without her characterization, I don't think this would have been as good.

There are some character arcs here, but it's definitely plot-driven. And the elements are there! They're enjoyable! But none of the books in this series have had room to breathe so they can still fit into a 'romance-first' box, and that means the mystery doesn't deliver. However, if you're not an avid mystery reader like me, this might not matter to you!

Overall, this is an enjoyable book that just didn't quite hit full potential for me. This book was the best overall, but Caro/Val (book 2) is still my favorite couple of this series.

I enjoyed this historical murder mystery romance - so much so that after the second chapter I went and requested books one and two in the same universe, which weren’t necessary to read this book, but I think would have enhanced my enjoyment.

Looking back at the one part I had noted because something a character said confused me about something that was said earlier, it’s surprising it took me as long as it did to figure out who the murder was, I’ll blame that on my head cold.

I really liked Poppy and Joshua, they were cute and their declaration of love, while probably ill-timed, was adorable.

I received this from netgalley in exchange for a review.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that anyone who reads this book will find it absolutely adorable! Manda Collins is a new author to me, but I now will read everything she writes, and I will continue to do so. Forever. What a wonderful, fun romance! Definitely anyone who loved the Bridgerton series, or Georgette Heyer will enjoy this and it made me long to hop onto a plane and fly to England, to bask in another author who could finally give me the same thrills as Jne Austen. I think everyone would enjoy the sweetness, funniness, the fun and spectacles of this book, while appreciating all the while the simplicity of true love and of this well-plotted love story. Wonderful, captivating writing gives this novel the depth and ability to pull in any reader. Vivid, descriptive story-telling, with interesting characters that have depth to them, and are skillfully rendered. At the end of the book, they seemed more like friends than book characters to me. I highly recommend this author and I can't wait to own this novel in print.

This checked off everything I look for in a book. Was not disappointed. Really enjoyed this book from Manda Collins. I will read more from this author. Must read. Historical fiction.

****4 Stars!

“I feel so much more for you than mere friendship.”


First I would like to thank Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for allowing me to read an arc of this book. I am honored to have been given the chance to read it and give an honest review.

This story takes place in England, 1867 where Miss Poppy Delamare is living a lie. In order to escape an odious betrothal, she flees to London where she has been hiding under the alias Flora Deaver, an unassuming secretary. When her beloved sister is accused of murder, Poppy cannot leave her to the wolves. Only a most unwelcome and unexpected collision interrupts her journey home.

Despite their dismal first meeting, Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham, has no intention of abandoning a lady clearly in need. Though he is not at all above asking a favor; a fake betrothal will give Poppy and her sister the power of the dukedom and protect Langham from society misses intent on becoming his duchess.

The longer the ruse goes on, the more Poppy and Langham realize how false their first impression was and the less pretend their engagement feels. Before Langham can propose in truth, their search reveals a tangled web of lies and betrayals. With time running out can Poppy and Langham find the real culprit before Poppy becomes the next victim?


This was such a fun and interesting book to read! I absolutely enjoyed the combination of a historical romance and a murder mystery, I thought the idea was so clever! This book kept me on the very edge of my seat with all the unexpected twists and turns, I had no idea where it was going to end and I really enjoyed trying to figure it out along the way. I felt it was all very well written and the pacing of the story made it very easy to read. By the end I was very surprised and delighted all at once.

I really enjoyed Poppy and Langham’s relationship, it was the perfect set up for the enemies to lovers trope, which is one of my favorite tropes! I love the slow build up of their romance and the amount of respect they clearly felt for each other. The amount of banter and vulnerability between the characters made them such a charming couple and a wonderful team!

Overall this book was a very fun and charming read, it really had a way about drawing me into the world as I read. I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy historical romance with feisty heroine, a swoon worthy slow burn romance all wrapped up in a murder mystery, then I would highly recommend this book!

I loved this third I stagnent in the series. Poppy is a sassy, forthright and a wonderfully independent woman - the type of female protagonist that I love. And Langham? I enjoyed learning about the person behind the mask he shows to society. I loved the way in which the fake dating trope is suggested in this story. This was a book I finished in a day.

This is a great book. Poppy is on her way from London to her small village to help her sister who is accused of murdering her husband. On the way she runs into Duke Langham, who she initially doesn’t like but they agree to work together because it’s mutually beneficial. This book has such great banter between the main characters! This book is also a mystery- and one I didn’t see coming. A must read!

To escape an arranged marriage, Poppy Delamare took a position as a secretary using the name Flora Deaver. When she reads in the paper that her sister has been accused of murder, she heads home. Unfortunately, her purse is stolen, leaving her penniless. Fortunately, Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham, is on hand to offer assistance. As they are both heading to the same destination, the duke will help Poppy prove her sister's innocence and in return she will agree to a fake engagement. Quick read with an interesting mystery.
Third in the series - can be read as a stand alone.
#A Spinster's Guide To Danger And Dukes #NetGalley

I’m a marketing and publicity intern at Forever Publishing, so I am reading this for work! Aaaaaaand there's a character limit on reviews here are some more words

Let me tell you I adore this series! Love, solving a murder, Victorian England. Poppy finds out her sister is the prime suspect in the murder of her husband and immediately heads to the countryside to help her. The only catch, Poppy must pretend to be engaged to the Duke of Langham to help him fend off his matchmaking grandmother. The Duke and Poppy set out to get to the bottom of things, all the while learning more about each other and their feelings towards each other go stronger. Can they solve the murder and admit their feelings to one another? The wit and banter of the characters are charming and hilarious and the mystery itself keeps the pace and intrigue of the book going as well. I want more!

This series is just so much fun! I love the combination of period romance and murder mystery. The heroines are strong and brave and smart but also vulnerable and sweet. I also love the fake relationship trope so this one was right up my alley. Thank you to Manda Collins, the publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC!

I’ve had such a fun time rereading this series and the momentum didn’t stop with book three!! This has to be my favorite of the series simply because Poppy is such a queen!!! She had a bit of a temper and wasn’t one to be cowed into silence or intimidated. There were unsavory characters that threatened to dull the plot (I was worried for a second) but a diamond’s gotta SHINE. I love her so much.

The pacing was quick and lively, and I really loved the chemistry between Joshua and Poppy. Their dynamic was vibrant and he absolutely fell first >>> However, they had sex only after like two kisses and nothing else very intimate so it felt a bit like whiplash. The book was pretty short and such a quick read that I do think an extra chapter or two that delved just a bit deeper into their relationship would’ve been appreciated. Even another sex scene that wasn’t so frenzied—don’t misunderstand me though, I LOVE the frenzy—because the romance didn’t feel all that complete with just that one scene.

**Vague spoilers that don’t reveal the whodunnit but just some context** I had a very good time with the murder-mystery part of the plot. I didn’t know who the culprit was until the end and I think appropriate punishments were meted out. The cult addition was definitely random but it kept me guessing and it was morbidly fascinating. I’ve a read a few other series with these plot lines too so it wasn’t that absurd, but I could definitely some being like??? I was engaged with the mystery the entire time and was sad when it was over.

Overall, what a good time. I had started this book a while ago and got distracted with another series, but once I sat down last night to officially begin, I couldn’t stop!! I was like okay this is the last chapter and then kept on reading into the next one without even realizing I was in another chapter.

The couples from the previous books made cameos and I can’t wait for the next book!!! I knew as soon as each character was introduced that they’d be important to the series in some way. While this is a summer time book (I think at least), the series will always have the fall atmosphere I crave in October and November. If you’ve loved the previous two in the series, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time with this one. I definitely still could’ve read this without the other two, but I liked the context so I’d read in order.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶.75/5

Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.

So I thought I'd gotten out of my period romance phase, but it came back with a vengeance after this read! I'd previously read the first two books of this series in January of last year during my hunt for "pride and prejudice vibes only" book hunt, and was super excited to get this book from NetGalley.

This book had everything I wanted from a murder mystery/regency romance: feisty and independent heroine, the 'fake dating/engagement trope,' excellent banter, and some spicy slow burn romance!
Manda Collins delivered a clever and charming story that kept my attention to the very end. I had my guesses, and suspicions throughout, but found solving the mystery and unraveling the particulars alongside the characters highly satisfying and exciting.

This was just a fun read. If you're looking for a little escapism, this is the perfect series to do so.
Thank you NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing,) and Manda Collins for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Mystery, Suspense and Romance! What a great story by Manda Collins. Poppy and Joshua were great characters in their own right and fantastic together. Their banter was hilarious and the trust they had in each other amazing. The mystery was definitely well thought out and while I had a guess who the killer could be I was still pleasantly surprised by the way it was resolved. The inclusion of a secret society and tunnels was great and I really did not see that tunnel scene coming. Especially the romantic scene that came directly after. I do think it would have been nice to see a bit more about Poppy's childhood. It felt like she just came out and told everyone and we as readers didn't get the chance to feel the emotions behind her experiences since it was stated so plainly. There were also points in the book that seemed outrageous but it was still enjoyable. I wish the epilogue was longer so we could really see them together and happy now that all of the excitement was over. The scene was cute but not as satisfying as it could have been. Overall I found the story incredibly enjoyable but wish there was a little more time for them to focus on the romance rather than just the mystery. All of these things don't take away from my enjoyment of the story and I will probably read the rest of the series.

This was a fun read! If I'm bring honest, I have not read the first two books in the series before reading this one. They are all separate characters, so you don't really need to read the others to enjoy the one, and enjoy it I did. I read the premise and figured I'd give it a go. I'm not usually one for period romances, but I decided to give this one a try, and I'm glad that I did. It was a fun romance/murder mystery with a tiny bit of spice, but was an overall satisfying read. I'll probably go back and read the first two in the series at some point as well!
*3.5 stars rounded up

⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 rounded up.

This Manda Collins series is so wonderful with its strong, smart, capable heroines and their handsome men! The first half of this particular book was bogged down a bit in scattered details about the murder mystery that could use a bit of tightening up. However, the last half when the clues started to come together and make sense… and the romance heated up, the novel became a page turner for me.

Give me a regency romance with a fake engagement and toss in a murder mystery and you’ve got me hooked!

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!

I was expecting more from this book, but I still really enjoyed it. I think it was very cute and well done, but lacking some depth. I still recommend this series to people though!