Alright Manda Collins, you won me back with the third book in the A Lady's Guide series. A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes was so much fun and had not only a fake engagement, but murder, mystery, and secret societies. Poppy was such a spitfire of a character, and I love that she took no shit from anyone. Langham was charming and adorable from the get-go and I loved seeing him and Poppy work together to solve this mystery.

Honestly, we need more books where people fall in love while solving a murder.

Such a treat! Despite being the third book in a series, this title works as a stand alone. This story has no shortage of murder, blackmail, and secret societies. This was a pleasant combination of a historical romance with a central murder mystery storyline. The two characters (Poppy and the Duke, Joshua) had such good chemistry, and their storyline was really fun!

To set the scene: Poppy gets pickpocketed while in line to buy a train ticket, the Duke (who she can’t stand but is in mutual circles) literally runs into her and offers to pay her passage, turns out they’re going to the same place, she shocks herself by revealing she’s been concealing her identity and is now returning home to help her sister—who was charged with the murder of her husband—the Duke offers to help use his connections/power to prove her innocence, Poppy says no so the Duke reframes it as a bargain…he will help her solve the murder if she pretends to be his fiancé for the week….

As you can imagine this book has the following:
-fake engagement/dating
-fun banter
-stubborn and independent FMC
-an MMC who’s pining after the FMC
-actual communication (shocking I know)
-murder(s)
-blackmail
-a devilish secret society
-dislike to love (they aren’t really enemies)

Poppy and Langham's story was delightful. I am so happy with how the fake engagement trope was used in this romance novel. These two tried to hide and deny their true feelings, but it was clear they were meant to be together. I loved seeing the characters from books 1 and 2 again in this story, especially with how much they badgered Langham about his life choices.

I was very much here for the romance, but ended up being really surprised by the great plot that was full of mystery and intrigue. There was an element of danger hanging over Poppy's fate that added tension to her time at Langham's estate, which was matched by the great pacing of the story. Watching Poppy and Langham grow closer and closer was really lovely - they were super cute together.

Manda Collins gives the reader a rollicking romantic suspense in A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes. Miss Poppy Delamere is rushing to her sister's side after she is accused of murdering her husband. When a thief takes her purse at the train station the Duke of Langham offers her a seat in his train coach car as they are going the same location. The Duke offers to help her defend her sister if she pretends to be his betrothed to stop the local ladies from chasing his at his grandmother's week of entertainment. Langham and Poppy find a real relationship forming while the shadows around her sister darken. Lots of crimes pop out of the woodwork. Great reading.

I love the Ladies Most Scandalous with all my heart! This one did not disappoint, which means, in my humble opinion, that Manda Collins has created a truly unique historical romance series. This one didn’t have as much of the romantic tension of the previous two (perhaps because fake engagement is not my favourite trope) but it was still enjoyable.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own."

The classic romance story line of two people who dislike each other pretending to be together to solve their problems. This time there is a murder to solve and a sister to save from the noose!

At first I was worried that I would have to read prior books to make sense of what's happening, but once passed the first chapter it holds its own.

I enjoyed it. A fun book with a little mystery that I'd perfect for the beach or the cabin.

This book was so good thanks so much for the copy I really enjoyed this so much along with the writing definitely will recommend I absolutely loved the story line so much and couldn't put it down

SPINSTER’S GUIDE TO DANGER AND DUKES is another fabulously fun, perilous, and romantic romp into the world of Ladies Most Scandalous series. Collins brings to life her characters with witty banter, smart deductions, and a hint of danger lurking around the corner.

In this third book, the reader is gifted with the story of Poppy (aka. Flora Deaver) and Joshua, Duke of Langham. These two want to free her sister from a murder conviction while keeping potential matches for the Duke at bay. However, it becomes clear there are much more double dealings, murders, and secrets involved with this investigation.

Honestly, this book is just as enjoyable as the others. The mystery is layered, and the pace propels the narrative forward at just the right speed. Then there is Poppy. Like Caro and Katherine before her, is a strong female with the desire to protect the ones she loves and never back down just because society expects her to.

A SPINSTER’S GUIDE TO DANGER AND DUKES is a historical mystery that will entertain from the first chapter until the final scene.

Manda Collins's historical romance with a central murder mystery had me hooked from the first page, which is surprising because I never thought I'd be so into this type of story. I stayed up all night to finish it, and it was totally worth it.
This book was a blast! It had all the elements I love about romantic comedies and more. It felt like Oprah was giving me everything I've ever wanted, including fake dating/engagement, banter, a headstrong FMC, a down bad for his girl MMC, romance born from actual connection and conversations, mutual respect, dislike to love, the murder of a crusty man, interesting side characters, and just enough spice.
The characters were well-developed, and the central mystery kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved the setting, and the historical details were spot on. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance, mysteries, and great banter. Manda Collins is now officially on my auto-buy list!


⚠️TW: death, emotional abuse, violence, kidnapping, cursing, gore, suicide, blood

Poppy is in a rush to get home to defend her sister Violet who’s been accused of her husband’s murder. Going home means Poppy has to shed the persona she took on in London when she ran away from her family, and her heinous stepfather. She literally runs into Joshua, Duke of Langham, a somewhat acquaintance who offers to share his compartment on the train with her. Once he learns of her predicament he suggests a plan that could benefit both of them: a fake engagement. She’d help him keep his meddlesome family from marrying him off, while his name and influence would help her with Violet’s case.

I loved that Poppy was no demure creature. She held her own against Josh’s family’s scrutiny winning then over with her wit and charm. Not only was Josh smitten with her, he’d also be annoyed on her behalf with anyone underestimating her. The mystery was intriguing with a few plausible suspects to be weary of. I’m glad the author explained in her notes what had inspired it. I won’t name it in order to avoid spoilers, but it’s an ‘80s movie which I’d always loved, and actually rewatched recently!

This third book in the Ladies Most Scandalous series was such a fun read! For some reason I’d missed book 2, but that didn’t hinder me from enjoying this latest caper. I know I’ll definitely go back to catch up. Read this if you’re all about mystery, romance, and confident women who know they’re just as adept at getting things done!

Thank you @netgalley & @readforeverpub for my advance copy. This is my honest review.

𝗔 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝘂𝗸𝗲𝘀 is available tomorrow 3/28.

England, 1867: Miss Poppy Delamare is living a lie. To escape an odious betrothal, she fled to London where she’s been hiding as the unassuming secretary Flora Deaver. However, when her beloved sister is accused of murder, Poppy cannot leave her to the wolves. Only a most unexpected—and unwelcome—collision interrupts her journey home . . .

Despite a rather dismal first meeting, Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham, has no intention of abandoning a lady in need. But he’s not above asking a favor. A fake betrothal will give Poppy and her sister the power of the dukedom and protect Langham from the society misses intent on becoming his duchess.
Overall stars - 4
Writing Quality - 9 /10
Image / Illustration Quality - 9/10
Character Development - 10 /10
"Couldn't Put It Down"-ness - 9 /10
Intellectual Depth - 8 /10
Originality - 9/10

When I received this book for review, I didn't realize there were two previous novels. Although it can be read as a standalone, I found the beginning to be very jarring. The narrative jumps right in with the groundwork between the Duke and Poppy already laid. However, once I got my bearings, I really loved the characters and story. The Duke was amazing and the two leads had absolutely incredible chemistry. I can't wait to pick up the other two books in the series.

This is the third book I have read in the entertaining Ladies Most Scandalous series.

Poppy is hiding as a secretary after fleeing from her family home to avoid a dreaded betrothal. She has to come out of hiding when her sister is accused of murdering her husband. While hurrying home, Poppy runs into our hero, Joshua Fielding. When they realize that they are heading to the same village, they decide that a faked betrothal is the answer to their difficulties.

I loved the fake engagement trope and the mystery element to this story. As with the other books in this series, I also really enjoyed the witty banter between Poppy and Joshua.

Manda Collins and the Ladies Most Scandalous series get better with every book. In ASGTDAD, Poppy (formerly known by alias Flora), is rushing home to clear her sister's name in the murder of her sister's husband. On the way, she runs into the Duke of Langham, who trades his help with her endeavor for her help with his own-to get out of his family's match-making by pretending to be engaged. Tale as old as time, and it was excellently done.

As always, the mystery-solving and co-plot was very fun to go along with the romance plot. It makes this series all the more special! Overall, I loved it.

Thanks to Netgalley and Forever for the e-ARC and ARC!

4 stars = Great! Might re-read.

This was fantastic! I loved the fake-relationship angle (my favorite trope) and how the author drops the reader right into the action, but never in a way that leaves the reader feeling confused. The romance and the mystery here were terrific. I did not want to put this one down. I have no idea how I missed book 2 - I loved book 1 in this series. But I picked that up immediately after finishing this so I wasn't missing out on any of the stories. Can't wait for book 4 - this is definitely a "must read" series for me! (Sex, language, an occult-ish ceremony which I could have done without)

I admired the strength and tenacity in which Poppy carried herself. During the late 1800s it wasn’t seen as proper for women to advocated going to a university or helping solve a mystery, and poppy broke both those narratives.

This book overall was a miss for me. I really didn’t like the 1800s old England language, so that made it harder to get through. I really was excited that it was fake dating, but ultimately I didn’t connect with the characters really at all. The characters to me didn’t stand out and the overall story didn’t pull me in at all.

This was a fast paced read and very exciting! I hadn’t had the opportunity to read the first two books in the series but it wasn’t hard for me to catch up with Poppy and her frenemy, Joshua Fielding aka the Duke of Langham. I absolutely loved the banter between the leads, they reminded so much of Miss Scarlet and The Duke on PBS, and the bickering back a forth made it for me 😂

I will say the mystery part of this book was a bit more dark and sinister than I was expecting after seeing that cover, it gave me True Detective vibes for sure 👀

Over all this was a quick and interesting read, and very much looking forward to more from this author!

Thank you so much to Netgalley and Forever for an ARC in exchange for an honest review ♥️

A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Desire by Manda Collins is the third book in the Ladies Most Scandalous series. My personal preference is to read the series in order but this can be read as a stand alone

Poppy Delamare has been living in London as Flora Deaver and working for Kate and Caro, the leading ladies in the first two books in the series. Flora meets Joshua in the second book and based on their interactions, you could tell that they would be the focus of the next book.

Poppy is heading home to help her sister who is accused of murder. At the train station, her purse is stolen and runs into Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham. Turns out he is from her home town and is heading there for his grandmother’s birthday. After he finds out who Poppy really is, he offers to help he get home and help her clear her sister’s name in exchange for her to be his fake fiancée, just to keep from being set up with a number of eligible ladies. No surprise that she agrees.

I enjoyed this story, a romance with a little mystery thrown in. I recommend this for readers that enjoy:
❤️ Fake engagement
❤️ Forced proximity
❤️ Frenemies to lovers

Thanks to Read Forever and NetGalley for an advance readers copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

I've been really enjoying Manda Collins's series and I love the continuation from the prior book. I do believe that Poppy(Flora) could've held onto her animsoity for Langham a little bit longer though. Also super solid side plot with a twist I did not see coming! But I get who isn't a sucker for a hero? Can't wait for the next book in this series!

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with an arc for an honest review!

Thank you Grand Central Publishing and NetGalley for providing an arc for an honest review.

TW:
Murder(off page)
Gaslighting
Kidnapping
Possible Cannibalism

Tropes:
Enemies to Friends to Lovers
Fake Engagement
Found Family

This is probably my favorite book of this series so far! I absolutely devoured it! The Duke of Langham and Poppy were so much fun to read. The Banter, the tension, and the way he just cared for her. I loved that they were able to read each other and know just what the other needed. They listened to each other and aside form one small thing they communicated and worked together and helped one another. The progression from enemies to friends to lovers was well written and heartwarming.

I loved the element of secret societies, even as disturbing as it was. The mystery folded in perfectly with the family gathering and I absolutely loved how Poppy didn't put up with crap from anyone, even Langham's grandmother.

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and this book was the perfect addition.