Review: I Dared the Duke

Author Anna Bennett

Format e-ARC

Print Length 320 pages

Publisher St. Martin’s

Published April 4, 2017

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? 

My Opinion

Elizabeth and her sisters were unfortunately described as the Wilted Wallflowers by a member of the ton. The nickname stuck and Beth quite frankly was tired of being a wallflower. So she agrees to a new title, one of a lady’s companion.

Beth Lacey is the newly appointed lady’s companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire. She adores the Duchess and loves her new position. So when the Duke arrives and demands she leave she says no. How dare he? Only the duke has good reasons. Someone is trying to hill him and his grandma is the only person he cares about. He needs her to retire to the country. To get her to do that he will need her stubborn lady’s companion on his side.

Beth thinks that the duke is horrible and a player (rake for this time period). She comes up with a scheme to force him to spend time with his grandmother- only then will she help. She has no clue his actual reasons and he is not inclined to tell her them. It is because of her misconceptions of him that she is able to stand up to him. Even though she is a wallflower, she apparently listens to the gossip as much as the most popular lady in the ton. 

Alex is a sweet duke. He has an unwarranted reputation which he uses to his advantage. He love and admiration for his grandmother is adorable. Why anyone wants to kill him is beyond me.

I Dared the Duke is a cute historical romance. There was no guessing who done it, there was no excitement of the near death moments, overall an enjoyable read just missing pizazz.

My Rating 3 out of 5 stars

Favorite Quote An empty compliment would feel worse than an insult.

Other People

Dowager Duchess- Alex’s grandmother

Darby- Alex’s bestie