I Dared the Duke

March 6, 2017
In Bennett’s passionate second Wayward Wallflowers historical (after My Brown-Eyed Earl), a very white, very wealthy 1818 London is the backdrop for a battle between Elizabeth Lacey and Alexander Savage, Duke of Blackshire. She’s his grandmother’s companion; he’s hunting for the person who arranged to poison him and sabotage his carriage. Above all, Alex wants his grandmother taken to safety until the plot is uncovered, but Elizabeth believes he just wants an inconvenient old lady out of his hair. Bennett weaves snarky and sexy scenes through the thin plot, and it’s entertaining if one doesn’t sweat the details. Elizabeth barely gives a thought to the consequences of unmarried, unprotected sex; “she trusted Alex” covers it. Evening dress is wash-and-wear: after they’re soaked to the skin on a stormy Thames crossing, their evening in Vauxhall is unaffected. Accurate period detail, in other words, is almost entirely lacking. But as a costume comedy of Venus and Mars, it’s a fun read. Agent: Helen Breitwieser, Cornerstone Literary.

March 1, 2017
A savage duke meets a wallflower who won't wilt.When Elizabeth Lacey agreed to serve as a companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire, she knew she'd have to deal with her notorious grandson eventually but didn't think he'd disrupt them so soon. Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire, is furious to find yet another person under his roof, especially when he's returned home to whisk his grandmother to the country for her own safety. Beth and Alex already know each other by reputation--she as a wallflower, he as a rake--and clash at their first meeting, during which Alex tells Beth she'll have to leave. Having survived a fire that killed the rest of his family as a boy, he now finds that an anonymous antagonist is trying to kill him, and he wants his grandmother to be safe--but Beth assumes he's looking for more privacy for his assignations. She agrees to help him convince his grandmother to move to the country but only after he grants the dowager three wishes. As they work together to make the wishes come true, of course, their attraction surges. The stubborn heroine and brooding hero come to life on the page through their chemistry, especially in several steamy scenes in stolen moments. This second book in Bennett's (My Brown-Eyed Earl, 2016) Wayward Wallflowers series allows its secondary characters to blossom, too, and is all the better for it. Regency fans will be more than satisfied with this pitch-perfect addition to the genre. Bennett brings new life to traditional Regency stories and characters.

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April 15, 2017

Alexander Savage, the notoriously difficult Duke of Blackshire, wants to send his grandmother out of London and off to his country estate. Elizabeth Lacey is her new companion and believes the older woman is being treated poorly. When Alex asks for Beth's assistance, she proposes a bargain: she'll urge the duchess to relocate if he grants his grandmother three wishes--wishes that involve his time and attention. Alex agrees, but after a series of unfortunate incidents, it's becoming clear that his life is in danger, and until he can find out who wants him dead, he needs everyone he cares about to be as far away from him as possible, including the fearless, determined Miss Lacey. VERDICT Sharply drawn characters, clever dialog, simmering sensuality, and a dash of mystery make this well-crafted Regency thoroughly delightful. Bennett (My Brown-Eyed Earl) lives in Maryland.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

March 15, 2017
Elizabeth Lacey is one of the Wilting Wallflowers, the middle child of three orphaned sisters brought up by their uncle, Alexander Savage, the formidable Duke of Blackshire. He gave the siblings this unfortunate nickname only to learn the hard way that his harsh assessment of the young ladies was far from accurate. When his beloved grandmother gives Beth a position as her live-in companion, in his house, no less, Alex expects this wallflower to live up to his taunt. However, from the moment she meets the intimidating duke, Beth proves to be incredibly spunky for someone he once considered so dull she faded into the background. Alex is in equal parts annoyed and fascinated by the feisty miss, but he has to drive her away. It's not a choice; after all, someone is trying to kill him. Readers will enjoy this sassy Regency take on the classic Beauty and the Beast tale, the second in Bennett's Wayward Wallflower series, following My Brown-Eyed Earl (2016).(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)