Duchess If You Dare
From the glittering ballrooms of the ton to the city’s grittiest corners, London has no shortage of wrongs in need of righting–and the Maidens of Mayhem are prepared for the challenge. United by secrecy and sisterhood, these daring women from all walks of life aim to fight injustice wherever it takes them–even into the arms of unexpected love. This feminist take on Regency-era Robin Hoods from USA Today bestselling author Anabelle Bryant is destined to storm readers’ hearts!
Scarlett Wynn’s tragic childhood taught her that life can be cruel to women with little power. So when a local seamstress disappears, Scarlett vows to find out why. Armed with a weapon and her courage, Scarlett scours London for clues–and crosses the unlikely path of Ambrose Cross, the Duke of Aylesford, at an unlikely place: an upscale brothel. The Duke is trying to solve a mystery of his own, and Scarlett is sure they can help each other–if she can resist the attraction that draws them together…
As Duke of Aylesford, Ambrose is duty-bound to protect his family name from scandal no matter the cost. But Scarlett’s fearless spirit forces him to look beyond his world of privilege. Scarlett is as intoxicating as she is dangerous, igniting a fire in him like no other. When the pair learn both mysteries they’re trying to solve are tied to a string of missing women, the tangled scheme they uncover may put their lives, and their growing love, in mortal danger–and lead them to search their hearts like never before…
“A delightful historical romance with a liberal dash of adventure, plenty of sizzling heat, and a heart of pure gold. A superb start to Bryant’s new Maidens of Mayhem series”
–Lenora Bell, USA Today bestselling author
“Duchess if You Dare is a fantastic read that kept me up late and has me anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.”
–USA Today Bestselling Author Renee Ann Miller
My Thoughts
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Scarlett is a Maiden of Mayhem – a group of ladies who have made it their own personal mission to protect those that live in London, and often find themselves straying outside the lines of society whilst doing so. The Maiden’s of Mayhem consist of four ladies, however the two we learn the most about are Scarlett and Julia – who is a strong supporting character throughout the book, with Phoebe and Diana playing a more subdued role.
When Scarlett’s seamstress Linie suddenly disappears, Scarlett comes to learn of a line of girls who have also gone missing. Determined to get answers, Scarlett goes about investigating a nearby brothel – and this is where she first meets Ambrose.
Ambrose is the Duke of Aylesford and is on his own mission here, trying to track down his brothers favourite woman within the brothel. With Scarlett’s arrival grasping his attention, and her allure turning him away from the mission he came here with, her presence threatens to derail his search completely. As the pair find themselves being thrown together with a similar mission in mind, they end up working alongside one another, and as tensions begin to soar, and emotions run high – it was only a matter of time before things began to heat up between them.
I loved Scarlett’s character from the start. She is such a fierce, strong minded lady that knows exactly what she wants in life and has the means in which to achieve her goals. She had such an authentic personality, and her backstory really added to the person she is today. Ambrose has a far more complex personality. As a Duke, he has lived a life full of privilege and authority, but also full of expectations and rules in which he must follow. When he meets Scarlett, he is overwhelmed by the need to protect her, however it is clear that she does not need his protection at all.
I really enjoyed the way in which this story was told. Full of mystery, deceit and drama, it certainly had plenty to grasp the readers attention and hold it firmly throughout. The plot is well structured and has a good pace to it, with the intensity picking up as the mystery came closer to being solved. The relationship between Scarlett and Ambrose was a slow burner, and with them being different in so many ways, I found their budding romance truly endearing to follow.
An interesting read full of drama and mystery, I really enjoyed this story.
You can purchase a copy of this book by following the links below:
UK Amazon Link: https://rb.gy/emdsdw
US Links:
Amazon: https://rb.gy/ytoy31
Barnes & Noble : https://rb.gy/ebpuvi
Kobo: https://rb.gy/mpgh91
About the Author
USA Today Bestselling author Anabelle Bryant began reading at age three and never stopped. Her passion for reading soon turned into a passion for writing and an author was born. Happy to grab her suitcase if it ensures a new adventure, Anabelle finds endless inspiration in travel; especially imaginary jaunts into romantic Regency England, a far cry from her home in New Jersey. Instead, her clever characters live out her daydreams because really, who wouldn’t want to dance with a handsome duke or kiss a wicked earl?
Anabelle’s books have been translated into several languages including Japanese and Russian, but writing isn’t all that keeps her busy. Building miniatures, baking and photography are other favorite pastimes. Often found with her nose in a book, Anabelle is just as happy in a room full of people. She enjoys meeting readers, attending conferences and book signings. She has earned her Master’s Degree and is ABD for her Doctorate Degree in education.
A firm believer in romance, Anabelle knows sometimes life doesn’t provide a happily ever after, but her novels always do. Visit her website at AnabelleBryant.com
Anabelle Bryant Links
Website: http://www.anabellebryant.com
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AnabelleBryantAuthor
Newsletter: http://www.anabellebryant.com/contact-anabelle-1.html
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnabelleBryant
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/anabelle-bryant
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/26491397-anabelle-bryant
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/anabellebryant/
Victoria Wilks 