Miss Poppy Delamere has been living a fabricated life for the past two years since she fled her family and established herself in London as secretary Flora Deaver. But now her younger sister has been accused of murder and Poppy must return to help her. Unfortunately, an unexpected and unwelcome interference threatens to derail her travels.

Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham, knows Poppy doesn’t particularly like him but he won’t abandon her when she so clearly needs help. Seeing that they could help one another he proposes that they present themselves as a betrothed couple. This will lend Poppy and her sister the weight of the dukedom and give Langham some protection from the eager young misses his grandmother has lined up for him as marriage prospects.

But as their act continues, Poppy and Joshua both begin to see one another for who they truly are, and their engagement doesn’t feel like pretending. Before Joshua can propose a genuine alliance, their investigation into the murder reveals much more than they’d anticipated and forces them to set their feelings aside until they’ve apprehended the true villain.

I’ve had a rather long streak of three-star reads this month, so I was pleasantly surprised to find myself so thoroughly enjoying this one. It was a real breath of fresh air for me. Poppy did give me pause at first with her snappishness towards the duke but given the stress she was under her reactions were understandable and she rapidly made up for them. I had forgotten just how much I love the fake relationship trope and it was well-utilized here. Poppy and Joshua are seemingly opposites, but they made the perfect couple, and I loved seeing them realize that as they came to know one another better. Poppy was able to really think about what she wanted and realized she wasn’t willing to give up love for the sake of independence and that Joshua would never stifle her that way, anyway. I loved that she recognized just how good of a man he was and finally gave him the credit for it that it seemed his family often failed to do. I loved seeing their feelings develop for one another as they worked to solve the mystery and clear Poppy’s sister’s name. This is probably my favorite story of this series and I look forward to perhaps another installment featuring Joshua’s brother, Adrian, and the governess.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a delightful read! I devoured it and want more of Manda Collins! It's a murder mystery wrapped up in a pretend engagement historical romance. Joshua Fielding is surprising as a guardian protector hero given that he seems like a self important Duke. Miss Poppy Delamare, aka Flora Deaver, is a delightful intelligent woman trying to make her way in life away from her cruel con-artist step-father. When she finds out her beloved younger sister was forced to marry her father's business partner and is now accused of his murder, Poppy comes out of hiding to help her. Along the way home she literally runs into the Duke of Langham who quickly sees an way to mutually help each other. What a fun story that had me guessing well into the story as to who killed Alistair Lovell.

Poppy Delamare has taken on the persona of Flora Deaver and is a secretary to Katherine Bascomb, now Eversham and Caroline Hardcastle, now Viscountess Wrackham who write The Ladies Guide to Mischief and Mayhem column for the London Gazette. The previous two books in the series are their stories. I'll have to find time and money to go back and read them because this series is so much fun. It has a touch of humor at times and great characters. When Poppy reads an newspaper story about the arrest of her sister Violet for the murder of Alistair Lovell, she knows she has to go home and fight for her sister's freedom. Her step-father Lord Short tried to force Poppy to marry his business partner Alistair Lovell. She escaped from being locked in her room and became Flora Deaver in London. At the ticket window for the train home a pickpocket steals her purse with all her money in the world in it. As she chases after the thief she runs smack dab into Joshua Fielding, the Duke! They are acquainted with each other in the previous books and Poppy is not impressed with him. He on the other hand finds her interesting. When her story comes out he proposes a solution for both of them. She pretends to be his fiancé to keep his grandmother's matchmaking out of his hair for her birthday celebration and he'll help her with her sister. This starts an adventure that ends with finding the killer and them madly in love with each other.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a gifted copy of this book!

CWs: murder (off-page), violence, attempted assault (brief mention), suicide (off-page), mental abuse (described in some detail)

I really enjoyed reading this one. I haven’t read any of the other books in this series, but I didn’t find that my enjoyment of this one suffered. I felt like it was completely readable as a standalone, although I’m sure having prior knowledge of some things mentioned would provide a more exciting reading experience.
I thought the pacing was good, and the writing style was easy to follow. I really enjoyed the back-and-forth between Poppy and Langham. They had some good chemistry, and I felt like their relationship progressed at a reasonable pace.
The murder and mystery aspect of the plot was really intriguing. I was guessing all over the place and was eager to get answers while reading. I thought the secret society was an interesting addition.
Overall I thought this was a really fun historical murder mystery romance and I’ll be checking out the rest of the series.

This is such a fun series and I must go back and read the others! Miss Poppy Delamare is cunning and ready to show others that females are not to be put in boxes. With the help of the Duke of Langham and a fake dating ruse, Poppy jumps into the investigation. This story was fast paced, keeping me turning the pages to solve the mystery along with Poppy. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever Pub! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Super cute storyline and love the characters from previous books are referenced throughout this series. This story is adorable and I couldn’t stop reading!

A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins

Poppy Delmare isn’t who people think she is. She had to run away from her childhood home and her scrupulous step-father from an unwanted marriage. She re-created herself in London’s society as a secretary named Flora Deaver. She recently found out that her sister is under the suspicion of murdering her husband, so she is on her way to her hometown where she runs into the rakish Duke of Langham. Seeing that they both could help each other, they pretend to be engaged. Langham will use his influence to help Poppy’s sister and Poppy will keep all the matchmaking mother’s off of him. However, there seems to be something between them and it might not just be hate…

While this is #3 in the series of Ladies Most Scandalous series, I read it as a stand alone and it was still a fun read! I loved the mystery element to this story. I felt like they appropriately balance each other very well! Poppy is independent and self-reliant but it was so fun to see Poppy and Langham lose their control with each other! I loved their chemistry and it was relatively fast paced.

Definitely recommend this one and if you like series, I recommend to start with the first book A Lady’s Guide to Mischief and Mayhem.

A fake betrothal, satanic cult, country house party, blackmail, and murder. What more could you ask for? Two years ago Poppy fled to London and has been living under an assumed name to escape marriage to a man her swindler step-father chose for her. She reads in the newspaper her sister is accused of murdering her husband - the man Poppy was to marry. Poppy heads to the train station to go to her sister and literally bumps into the Duke of Langham. They met before (in previous books), and didn't like each other, but this time they come to an agreement. He'll use his influence as a Duke to help Poppy's sister if she'll pretend to be engaged to him at his grandmother's house party. It will take the pressure off of him with all the debutantes and their marriage minded mamas. Langham turns out to be a nice guy and their feelings for each other grow amidst the investigation of the murder. Characters from the previous books appear making for a satisfying reunion but this could be read as a stand-alone. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“Delicate sensibilities, indeed. I should like to show him just how delicate my boot against his shin can be.”

Thank you Manda Collins, Forever, and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

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. Yet the longer the ruse goes on, the more Poppy and Langham realize how false their first impressions were-and the less pretend their engagement feels. But 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?

I loved the mix of cozy mystery, historical fiction, and romcom in this book! It was fast paced and fun to read. I enjoyed the dual POV and being able to read both characters inner thoughts. This book is part of a series, but can be read as a standalone. If you’re a fan of Bridgerton and cozy mysteries, I definitely recommend this book!

Book Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️.5

*There was one spicy scene, but it wasn’t very descriptive and was really more of a brief mention.

Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins is the third book in her popular historical mystery series, Ladies Most Scandalous, and can be read as a stand-alone novel.

Story Recap:
Miss Poppy Delamare left home to start a new life in London two years ago in order to escape a betrothal to an odious man. Now, two years later, her sister is accused of murdering that same man. Poppy now runs home to the small town of Little Kidding, to save her sister from the gallows.

Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham is also on his way to Little Kidding to return to his family's estate to attend his grandmother’s, the dowager Duchess of Langham’s annual birthday house party. When he runs into Poppy at the London train station, upon seeing her distress after she was robbed of her train fare, he invites her to travel with him in his coach. After they get to know each other they form an alliance to be fake engaged. Joshua wants to prevent his grandmother from setting him up at her house party, and Poppy wants the Duke’s help in helping her sister.

My Thoughts:
I was excited to be back in Manda Collin’s world and visit with her characters in this series. I love this combination of romance, mystery, and family dynamics, all set in Victorian England. The characters of this series are intertwined, but each book can be read as a stand-alone.

This book has a good balance of romance, to mystery and I loved both aspects of the story. The setting of Victorian England was well described and adds to the atmosphere of the mystery. The romance between Poppy and Langham is based on friendship first and includes both witty banter and sweet talk. The mystery is complex and fascinating to follow. Poppy makes a great detective and she doesn’t shy away from danger.

Recommendation:
I highly recommend A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Collins’s light-hearted, pleasant historical romance/mystery was read in one sitting…not because it inspired “can’t put this down”, though a fun read. Rather because my home-city experienced a devastating ice storm, which I drove through on Wednesday, and then went into the dark and cold for two days while power was out. The Kindle held out long enough for me to read Collins’s Spinster’s Guide in one sitting on Thursday and then sit on my review till the power came back. I have been thinking about how our reading is as much about the when and how we read a book as much as the book itself and how blogs, waning as they are, recount and reflect those circumstances. So, there you have how I read Spinster’s Guide in the dark and cold.

Onwards to Collins’s third Lady’s Guide romance-mystery and its lovable characters, especially hero Joshua Fielding, Duke of Langham and heroine Poppy Delamere. To start, the publisher’s blurb to set us up with premise and details:

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.

Yet the longer the ruse goes on, the more Poppy and Langham realize how false their first impressions were—and the less pretend their engagement feels. But 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?

Manda Collins’s strength does not lie in what she does to the genre, but in what she brings to it, a playful, endearing, hopeful ethos and lovely writing. In this, A Spinster’s Guide, and others, I find my favourite romance “thing”: clever diction and banter. Joshua and Poppy are smart, kind people and their exchanges reflect their natures. Their playful antagonism is one the reader can see right through, which is the fun part. To use one of Collins’s choice words, there is pleasure in thinking “you nodcocks, don’t you know you’re in love?!” That reader superiority is one of the pleasures of reading light-hearted romance: the stakes are low, but the emotions, a delight…if done right and Collins gets it right every time. What she may lack in development of “deep” themes and issues, she more than makes up for with humour, kindness, tenderness, and camaraderie (she also assembles endearing secondary characters).

As proof of Collins’s writing chops, here is a favourite bit when Poppy, still in contrarian-mode, ponders Joshua’s good looks: “a man who looked so much like an angel should thrive on devilry”. It is more mistaken reputation than act on Joshua’s part, but fun to read anyway. Case in point also Poppy’s snappy reply to Joshua’s offer of companionship when they find themselves on the same Buckinghamshire-bound train: ” ‘…don’t believe a duke can ever be friends with an impecunious spinster, Your Grace.’ ” Being an impecunious spinster, I totally get it. When the stakes are low and the hero and heroine as lovely and kind as Joshua and Poppy, everything “sharp” may sound like “they doth protest too much,” but that doesn’t make it any less entertaining a read. Consider, when Joshua’s questionable poetic praises to Poppy’s beauty are brought up at the family dinner table, she looks “at him with the kind of expression usually bestowed by mothers upon their ambulatory offspring.” LOL…

Moreover, always appreciated on my part is Collins’s gently feminist message: where the romance novel becomes a paean to finding a partner who will offer respect, consideration, and confidence, as well as love, comfort, support, and sexy times. When the false murder claim against Poppy’s sister needs a final “handling”, this is Joshua to Poppy: ” ‘I realize that of the pair of us, you are by far the cleverer. If you run into problems, I will attempt to help, of course, but otherwise I leave it in your capable hands.” As he does. And she does. And they live happily-ever-after with good humour, affection, friends, and family. The essence of the romance’s HEA. Miss Austen stands with me when we say A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes offers “real comfort,” Emma.

Manda Collins’s A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes is published by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and released on March 28th. I received an e-ARC from Forever, via Netgalley, which does not deter me from offering an honest opinion.

A Spinster’s Guide to Danger & Dukes by Manda Collins
#3 of the Ladies Most Scandalous series. Historical romantic mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone.
Poppy Delamare finds out her sister is suspected of killing her husband and heads home to help investigate. Poppy’s purse is stolen at the train station and she ends up agreeing to accompany
Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham, back to his estate which is in the same area as her stepfather’s home. Faking an engagement to the Duke helps get rid of matchmakers and helps her have some authority to ask the questions on behalf of her sister. Poppy and Langham spend time together and grow close.

The mystery gets deeper as they find a secret society, a knife and the sister unavailable and accused by the stepfather. The upside is that the Duke’s family is super nice and accommodating and welcoming to Poppy.
A lot of unfamiliar wording (for me) that would have been the formal language at the time.

Excerpts for the tone and content of the story:
“Oh, do not don a hair shirt and flog yourself in remorse, I beg you,” he said blithely. “Though I must say ladies do not usually have such a strong negative reaction to the prospect of bedding me.”

“He looked into her wide blue eyes and tried to read her thoughts. But apparently sexual congress did not imbue you with omniscience.”
Excerpt from A Spinster’s Guide to Danger and Dukes by Manda Collins

I received a copy of this from NetGalley

When aspects of Mystery and Romance come together, I think it can make for a truly interesting read. "A Spinster's Guide to Danger and Dukes" by Manda Collins, was a good read. I enjoyed the mystery elements within the story concerning the murder and the sister being the alleged culprit. That grabbed my attention for sure. However, the romance was super cute. I did not feel like either element took over from the other. In fact, it blended seamlessly within the overall plot. I was happily pleased with this book. It may be the third in the series, but it is not necessary to read in order. I would still recommend reading the series though because each book is unique and enjoyable.

ARC provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Net Galley, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.

This was a fake engagement for the Duke of Fielding to help his friend Miss Poppy investigate her sister's husband's murder (who her sister is accused of murdering). Though no one believes this spinster could possibly be suitable for him and laugh at the joke when they meet her. I am so glad I don't live in that time that seems so superficial, oh wait..
But as Joshua the Duke and Poppy investigate near his country home they get closer and as he falls first, she is hesitant to get too close but wants to experience everything with him since she's resigned herself to the shelf.
There are a lot of weird coincidences happening and a lot of murders around some notable people in that area but the clues for this murder are pointing to her sister and they seem to be planted to be that way. But no one has even seen or questioned her sister which is also suspicious.
Love a fake relationship with a investigation there's always fun involved. Especially when he falls first or at least tries to admit his feelings first.

Thank you readforeverpub for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

"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 "
This is an amazing story. If Poppy can't prove her sister's innocent she is domed.
I received this complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

3.5⭐️ - Slow to start, but quickly wrapped up in mystery, romance, and adventure, this was a fun historical romance novel with marriage of convenience as it’s central but not only plot point. I also love how fiercely independent our FMC was and how the MMC supported her in that. Had the pacing been a bit more even, it would have been higher rated. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy!

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this advanced copy

I wanted this one to be for me but unfortunately this one didn't work for me. it was just really slow and i found myself not wanting to pick it back up.

4.5 Stars!!!

Poppy Delamere has been living under the alias of Flora Deaver ever since she ran away from her home several years ago to escape a betrothal to an awful man. When she gets word that her sister is being accused of the murder of her husband, the very same man Poppy was to be wed to, she knows she must come out of hiding to prove her innocence. Joshua is the Duke of Langham and NOT Poppy's favorite person but together they concoct a plan to help them both- Poppy will stand in as his fake betrothed and he will lend his power of position to help her sister. As time goes on and truths surrounding the murder start coming to light, so do Poppy and Joshua's feeling for one another.

Manda Collins has done it again. I love this entire series and Poppy and Joshua's story did not disappoint. This book grabbed my attention from page 1 and didn't let go. The story was juicy, the mystery wasn't predictable and the romance swoon worthy. I felt like all the parts of the story tied together so seamlessly. I think this whole series is such a unique take on historical romance! The murder mystery themes and plot lines truly add an essence to the romance that is unlike anything I've read. I can't wait for more!

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley and Forever publishing for my honest review,

This 3rd book in the series is another good one. England, 1867, Poppy heads for the countryside to help her sister Violet when things get complicated. There’s a dashing Duke, a murder and some strange things going on. Poppy and her friends are entertaining

Tropes: Mystery, historical romance, funny, fake relationship

Manda Collins knows how to write such fun historical romance/ mystery books and I have enjoyed the Ladies Most Scandalous series.

Flora Deaver had been hiding who she really is, her real name is Poppy Delamere and she did not want her family to find her. When her sister is in trouble she finds herself heading home to help her. While at the train station she finds herself in a bit of trouble, but runs into Joshua Fielding, the Duke of Langham. They know each other but are not really friends. But they soon realize they can help each other out and that is when things get fun

I really enjoyed Poppy and Langham’s relationship. This book is a lot of fun if you enjoy a light, historical murder mystery and romance.

Thank you Netgalley and Forever Publishing for the ARC

Manda Collins is back with another must read. I loved the story in this book and how fleshy and wonderfully developed the characters were. I felt like I knew them by the end of the story. The plot is great with just enough mystery to keep you intrigued but enough romance to keep you satisfied the whole way.