I Dared the Duke

A Wayward Wallflowers Novel

by Anna Bennett

DARE TO FALL IN LOVE

Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire, is known throughout the ton for three things: the burn scars on his neck, his ornery disposition, and the trail of broken hearts behind him. None of which would concern Miss Elizabeth Lacey in the least—if she weren’t living under his roof. As his grandmother’s companion, Beth is all too concerned with the moody and compelling duke. Incensed by his plans to banish the sweet dowager duchess to the country, Beth refuses to do his bidding. If Alex wants her help, he’s going to have to take her dare…and grant her three wishes.

Alex adores his grandmother, which is precisely why she must leave. A string of unfortunate incidents has him worried for the safety of everyone around him—including the dowager’s loyal and lovely companion, Beth. But the notorious wallflower isn’t as meek as she appears, and as their battle of wills heats up, so does Alex’s desire. He’s dangerously close to falling in love with her…and revealing secrets he’d rather keep hidden. How can he convince her that his darkest days are behind him—and that, for the first time in forever, his heart is true?

I Dared the Duke continues Anna Bennett’s Regency-era romance series, The Wayward Wallflowers.

This is the first of Bennett’s books that I’ve read and I really enjoyed it.  It’s been a while since I’ve read a historical romance and this one reminded me why I enjoy them so much.

As is typical, Alex displays Duke-ish behavior and keeps too many things to himself and if he’d only share it would take care of so much of his troubles.  Instead Beth makes a lot of assumptions, very few of them good, and gets herself into the occasional bit of trouble.

The whodunit part isn’t a huge part of the story, other than as a catalyst to these two getting together and living HEA.  But when the truth comes out it definitely is an interesting revelation and works well with the rest of the story.

Together, they make a great couple – trying so hard to avoid their attraction but with a lot of sass when they inevitably fail.  Cute and fun, with some laughs and a few moments of danger, I Dared the Duke is a light-hearted read for those who like their men in cravats and their women hiding backbones under their corsets.

(Can easily stand on its own)