About the Book:
Title: Daring the Duke
Author: Charlie Lane
Series: The Debutante Dares
Page Length: 292
Publication Date: Oct. 28, 2021
Publisher: WOLF Publishing
Synopsis: In this Regency romance by Charlie Lane, a London season of scandalous dares forces a lady and her duke to see that perfect isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
A redheaded bluestocking in desperate need of a wealthy husband.
A handsome duke looking for the perfect duchess.
And a dare that shows that opposites may not only attract but can be so much more.
Lady Tabitha Hampton has the memory of an elephant. Her sharp brain locks everything away tight as a trunk in an attic. But this talent fails to help the twenty-seven-year-old bluestocking attract the attention of a single wealthy suitor. And she needs one. With three sisters of marriageable age, a sickly father, and a series of bad investments draining their dowries, Tabitha’s marriage could save or ruin her entire family.
The Duke of Collingford needs a wife, but not just any one will do. Arthur’s future duchess must be perfect in every way—fair of face, impeccable manners, with enough social influence to impact his parliamentary projects. When he joins the whirl of the London season, the duke finds an insufferable, redheaded wallflower instead.
Tabitha insists she can be the perfect duchess, if he’ll only give her the chance. Arthur agrees to test her abilities, but she tests his control. And one taste of her lips is enough to make him embrace chaos.
Opposites may attract, but can they cooperate? Or will they lose everything, including their hearts?
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, including Amazon, and I may earn a small commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through my links.
My Review:
Daring the Duke follows Lady Tabitha Hampton and Arthur Pennworthy, The Duke of Collingford, who find love when they least expect it. A twenty-seven-year-old debutante with a photographic memory, Tabitha must marry to help her family financially and ensure her sisters marry well. Arthur needs to marry the perfect woman to gain his inheritance. When they make an arrangement where Tabitha can prove she is the perfect wife, neither expects to fall in love. Could this potential marriage of convenience lead to something more?
Tabitha and Arthur have a great opposites-attract romance, and I love how their relationship grows over the course of the story. Tabitha and her friends Jane and Lillian pull pranks on their peers, and Arthur is one of the few who doesn’t fall for them. Cool and composed, Arthur insists on a “perfect” wife who plays by the rules of elite society and will meet the strict standards put forth by his family. Far from perfect, Tabitha is one to break the rules. This couple is so different, yet they complement each other well. They have great chemistry, and I really like how they banter with each other. It’s fun and clever and filled with sexual tension. Whether they’re bickering, teasing, or talking, you can tell there’s a spark between the two.
Both characters grow and learn a lot throughout the story, as each becomes more vulnerable and willing to take risks with their hearts. I enjoyed their personal journeys as much as their journey as a couple. I also liked a lot of the secondary characters. They are interesting and dynamic, and I am curious to learn more about them. I can’t wait to read their stories, especially Jane, Lillian, and Arthur’s brother.
This is a fun and entertaining historical romance, and I really liked the characters and the messages about friendship, love, and taking chances. It’s a great start to Charlie Lanes Debutante Dares series, and I’m eager to read the next one!
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance!
- The themes.
- The characters.
Favorite Lines:
I’m worth more than being forgotten. I’m worth more than being dismissed and discarded.
That’s the beauty of the power you hold. You can set the trends. You don’t have to follow them.
Sometimes no matter how perfect you are, you still fail. Perfection was no meter for success, or even happiness.
Recommendations:
I would definitely recommend Daring the Duke to readers who like fun and sexy historical romance!
Giveaway:
Enter to win a copy of all three books in The Debutante Dares Series by Charlie Lane. One US winner will receive a copy of DARING THE DUKE, A DARE TOO FAR and KISS OR DARE. Click the picture above or the link below to enter!
Must be 18 or older to enter. Giveaway ends March 19, 2022.
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/12dcbe555/?
I love an opposites attract romance. Great review!
Thank you!