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Emma V.Leech
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To Dare a Duke (Girls Who Dare Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Emma V Leech (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.4 out of 5 stars 3,321 ratings
Girls Who Dare – The exciting new series from Emma V Leech, the multi-award-winning, Amazon #1 romance writer behind the Rogues & Gentlemen series. Inside every wallflower is the beating heart of a lioness, a passionate individual willing to risk all for their dream, if only they can find the courage to begin. When these overlooked girls make a pact to change their lives, anything can happen. Eleven girls – Eleven dares in a hat. Twelve stories of passion Who will dare to risk it all?

To Dare a Duke

Dreams of true love and happy ever afters
Dreams of love are all well and good, but all Prunella Chuffington-Smythe wants is to publish her novel. Marriage at the price of her independence is something she will not consider. Having tasted success writing under a false name in The Lady’s Weekly Review, her alter ego is attaining notoriety and fame and Prue rather likes it.

A Duty that must be endured
Robert Adolphus, The Duke of Bedwin, is in no hurry to marry, he’s done it once and repeating that disaster is the last thing he desires. Yet, an heir is a necessary evil for a duke and one he cannot shirk. A dark reputation precedes him though, his first wife may have died young, but the scandals the beautiful, vivacious and spiteful creature supplied the ton have not. A wife must be found. A wife who is neither beautiful or vivacious but sweet and dull, and certain to stay out of trouble.

Dared to do something drastic
The sudden interest of a certain dastardly duke is as bewildering as it is unwelcome. She’ll not throw her ambitions aside to marry a scoundrel just as her plans for self-sufficiency and freedom are coming to fruition. Surely showing the man she’s not actually the meek little wallflower he is looking for should be enough to put paid to his intentions? When Prue is dared by her friends to do something drastic, it seems the perfect opportunity to kill two birds. However, Prue cannot help being intrigued by the rogue who has inspired so many of her romances. Ordinarily, he plays the part of handsome rake, set on destroying her plucky heroine.

But is he really the villain of the piece this time, or could he be the hero? Finding out will be dangerous, but it just might inspire her greatest story yet.

Happy reading! And please do leave a review if you can – it would mean the world to hear what you enjoyed most about the book.
**** Warning: This book contains a careful selection of quiet determination, resolute tight-lipped-ness and (almost) insurmountable levels of tension. Although coupled with the presence of occasionally descriptive sexual encounters, we are very pleased to highlight that this book - and series - is in no way verging on erotica.

**** AUTHOR'S NOTE: Girls Who Dare is an ongoing saga following the Peculiar Ladies, their friendships and loves, and is designed to be read in order. Whilst they may be read as standalone novels, some aspects of the story will not be explained if read in this fashion. The reading order is as follows:
•Book 1: To Dare a Duke
•Book 2: To Steal a Kiss
•Book 3: To Break the Rules
•Book 4: To Follow her Heart
•Book 5: To Wager with Love
•Book 6: To Dance with a Devil
•Book 7: To Winter at Wildsyde
•Book 8: To Experiment with Desire
•Book 9: To Bed the Baron
•Book 10: To Ride with the Knight
•Book 11: To Hunt the Hunter
•Book 12: To Dance until Dawn
(Also related: Matilda and Montagu, The story so far. A compilation of all the encounters between Matilda and Montagu from each book)
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  1. Book 1 of 12
    Girls Who Dare
  2. Print length
    303 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    March 29, 2019
  5. File size
    6.0 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 12 books in this series.

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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07MC5QQ2S
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (March 29, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 29, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6.0 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 303 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 out of 5 stars 3,321 ratings

About the author

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Emma V.Leech

Emma V.Leech

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Regency Romance Author, Emma V Leech is the award-winning writer of six series with many more to come! Selected in the AMAZON UK Kindle Storyteller Awards four years running with Flaming June, A Scent of Scandal and The Last Man in London from Rogues and Gentlemen. For To Follow her Heart, To Ride With the Knight and To Hunt the Hunter from the Bestselling Girls Who Dare series, and for Dare to be Wild, from the Bestselling Daring Daughters series.

To keep up with new releases, sign up for Emma's newsletter on her website. Copy and paste the following address - https://www.emmavleech.com/

ROGUES AND GENTLEMEN: Regency Romance. Sexy, tumultuous, and desperately romantic, Rogues and Gentlemen will have you wishing for your own pirate, smuggler, earl, or duke to carry you off into the past.

GIRLS WHO DARE:

Regency Romance. Twelve book series. Inside every wallflower is the beating heart of a lioness, a passionate individual willing to risk all for their dream, if only they can find the courage to begin. When these overlooked girls make a pact to change their lives, anything can happen.

THE DARING DAUGHTERS:

Their mothers dared all for love. Just imagine what their daughters will do. This in an ongoing next generation series in the Girls Who Dare world.

THE REGENCY ROMANCE MYSTERIES: Historical Romantic Suspense. If you prefer your Regency Romance with a little dash of mystery and murder, these are the books for you. Dashing heroes and wicked villains abound, and of course, a plucky heroine who won't sit about looking ornamental until she's rescued

THE FRENCH VAMPIRE LEGEND: Paranormal Romance. This is a dramatic and heart-wrenching story of courage and sacrifice and a love that nothing ... not even time, can tear apart.

THE FRENCH FAE LEGEND: Paranormal Romance. With close to sixteen million online reads to date the award-winning Dark Series is one of Emma's most successful works. An epic saga set between modern-day France and the Fae Lands - a historic version of our own world, where only love is more powerful than magic.

ABOUT EMMA:

As an accomplished romance author, Emma won the world’s largest online writing competition ‘The Wattys’ two years running, first with The Darkest Night, and then with her short story, A Dark Imperfection, A Les Fées Novella. Her third published novel, The Dark Prince has been touted as one of The Top 50 Self Published Books Worth Reading in 2015 and is #2 on the list of the Top 50 Indie Books in 2015 as well as being hailed as "An enchanting fantasy with a likeable heroine, romantic intrigue, and clever narrative flourishes." by Kirkus Reviews.

Emma's novels have garnered attention worldwide, and fans who continue to clamour for more through email, Facebook, and Twitter.

When she's not writing she strives to live as far from the real world as possible. but otherwise, she can be found in Darkest Dordogne, South West France with her husband, three children, assorted cats and a wild imagination

www.facebook.com/EmmaVLeech

https://www.facebook.com/groups/EmmaVLeech/ for Emma's reader's group

www.emmavleech.com for more info and free stories

Twitter Emma V Leech@ladameblanche

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
3,321 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's storyline well connected and entertaining, with a happy ending. Moreover, the characters are beautifully written and independent, and customers enjoy the dialogue. The pacing is engaging, with one customer noting how the relationship develops throughout the story. Customers describe the book as surprisingly lovely, with one review highlighting its sparkling wit, and they appreciate its emotional depth. They consider it a great start to a new series.

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100 customers mention "Story quality"96 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, finding it well-connected and entertaining with a happy ending.

"...What a delightful romance. Wallflowers are a bit over done but somehow Leech renewed my interest. I hope all her books are as captivating as this one." Read more

"...We have no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance, a little spice and nice writing. I would recommend this story and author. (ljb)" Read more

"...But best of all, there is character development, and the arc of the story is believable, and the editos did their jobs, so that even as you know you..." Read more

"This book was amazing with its characters, plot twists, and emotions. While reading I was laughing, then crying, to smiling...." Read more

90 customers mention "Enjoyment"90 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, describing it as completely delightful and a wonderful relaxing read that easily held their interest.

"...The dialogue was so good and made me excited for their next encounter. What a delightful romance...." Read more

"...We have no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance, a little spice and nice writing. I would recommend this story and author. (ljb)" Read more

"...If you like almost naughty books then this is a great read. It's a cute love story a little slow to start but gets on its way...." Read more

"...as the characters have depth and intriguing stories which provide for a compelling read." Read more

54 customers mention "Character development"54 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the independent heroines and beautiful writing style.

"This one I will keep in my library. The characters had depth and chemistry. The dialogue was so good and made me excited for their next encounter...." Read more

"...There are many interesting secondary character's. I will continue to read the series because I do like the writing style of this author...." Read more

"...But best of all, there is character development, and the arc of the story is believable, and the editos did their jobs, so that even as you know you..." Read more

"This book was amazing with its characters, plot twists, and emotions. While reading I was laughing, then crying, to smiling...." Read more

35 customers mention "Writing style"35 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style of the book, finding it wonderfully and well-edited with enjoyable dialogue, and one customer specifically mentions being fascinated by the protagonist's plain speaking.

"...The characters had depth and chemistry. The dialogue was so good and made me excited for their next encounter. What a delightful romance...." Read more

"...have no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance, a little spice and nice writing. I would recommend this story and author. (ljb)" Read more

"...development, and the arc of the story is believable, and the editos did their jobs, so that even as you know you are indulging yourself in frivolity..." Read more

"...Each book is well written and there is a story line well connected and woven through each subsequent book so that the authors world builds and..." Read more

28 customers mention "Pacing"28 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one noting how the story unfolds in a realistic manner, while another mentions how the characters' backstories provide motivation for their actions.

"...know you are indulging yourself in frivolity, it's quite a lovely bit of frivolity...." Read more

"This is the story of a young lady of very modest means and a wealthy notorious duke...." Read more

"...The characters are well done and their back stories provide their motivation for their actions...." Read more

"...Emma Leech’s books, such wonderfully descriptive storytelling with nuance and depth of character...." Read more

12 customers mention "Emotional content"12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one mentioning the sympathetic sister character.

"...There's a gaggle of Wallflowers, a sympathetic sister, a cringy aunt and a less cringy cousin, a jovial uncle, a forthright maid, and a serialized..." Read more

"This book was amazing with its characters, plot twists, and emotions. While reading I was laughing, then crying, to smiling...." Read more

"I really enjoyed this book. This was an emotional one for me...." Read more

"...It's full of laughter and sadness. It ends with true love. Good read!" Read more

11 customers mention "Charm"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the charm of the book surprisingly lovely, with one customer noting how it sparkles with wit, while another appreciates the appearance of "The Wallflowers" character.

"...my time, and I always appreciate the ones that launch a series, sparkle with wit, and paint a well-worn trope with a new brush...." Read more

"I loved this book. It is wonderful to see "The Wallflowers" to have their day...." Read more

"Light and entertaining with a cute hook. Not sure how much I warmed to the duke, but the heroine is very endearing and lovable." Read more

"...regency this is an amusing romp in a vibrant and growing image of a similar construct...." Read more

5 customers mention "Start date"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's start date, with one customer noting it's a great introduction to a new series that encompasses all aspects of a good book, while another mentions it hints at further books to come.

"...Stand alone HEA, with hints of further books to come. Contains sex scenes, swear words (mostly the Lord's name in vain), and no violence." Read more

"...ones starts with a bang. No surprise it's good , as her works always are." Read more

"This was a delightful book that encompasses every aspect of a good book! There are twists and turns that keep you enthralled!" Read more

"Good start..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Danielle Carpenter
    5.0 out of 5 stars This could have been a hallmark movie
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    This story is scary because one woman who saw what her mother endured in her marriage, has chosen to vilify the Duke of Bedminster because of rumors of how he abused his wife and drove her to ride her horse so hard she broke her neck. She wrote a novel that in those days was published by a magazine in chapter segments. When the Duke of Bedminster goes looking for another wife, because of his duty to produce an heir, he goes to his uncle to help him find a woman who is practical and intelligent. His uncle chooses his favorite wallflower, Prudence. What Prudence learns devastates her, and changes the ending of her book to the surprise of herself and her editor. I found the Duke quick to forgive Prudence after she changes the ending. He knew enough about Prudence when courting her that she was not marriage minded and why. It should not have shocked him that she found her independence in writing. The clues were all there; ink on her hands, her wit and intelligence, her no nonsense way of things. The dare that this series is based on is really secondary, the only thing that the dare provides is a way for these wallflowers to step out of their comfort zones. Like Prudence's dare to dance at midnight, she didn't have to dance with the Duke. She could have danced alone, but she wanted the rest of her club to take their dares just as seriously. The characters are charming and well-developed, even with horrible faults. It actually makes me like them more.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Isa Ciliberto G
    4.0 out of 5 stars 4 or 3 stars
    Reviewed in the United States on May 29, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Chaste and yet naughty. For the life of me I don't know why I found this in the erotica listing on Amazon... No most certainly mislabeled. Yet still an 18 and over book. If you like almost naughty books then this is a great read. It's a cute love story a little slow to start but gets on its way. The book leaves you confused not knowing if it's a chaste book or if there's about to be an actual love scene. in the middle of the book took me off guard up to that point the book looked like a suggestive sexual love story. It was shocking at the mid point when an encounter is on its way it's just about to get real steemy and the the author toss cold water on you and... ok so That's not happening
    The story definitely pulls the reader I didn't know if I was coming or going up or down
    was upset when the hero writes something for the girl but we never get to read it disappointed a bummer. The author just tossed the reader for loops so much so I was exhusted by the end and I ended glazing over the final chapters. There's an almost love scene after lovers all finally reunited but ends with readers getting an icy bucket tossed at us once more... Seriously Afters weeks of searching for the girl and the hero final has her she's in bed and willing and he says no? I gave up and just skimmed the final parts...the wedding then back to the wedding night but honestly that's the last pages of the book and I wasn't sure if it was gonna end up taking us so far and end up chaste (no they go all the way) but honestly if the very actual first love scene the lovers have are displayed on the very last pages of the book I really didn't care to finishes it's like too late the book been chaste might as well just leave it chaste it's not going to change anything we get it by that point it's a wedding night no need to read more.
    Still an interesting read
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars captivating
    Reviewed in the United States on November 4, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this story not the usual romance and exciting. I couldn’t wait for the next chapter. Thank you so much!
    Helpful
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  • Evie V.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Captivating from start to finish
    Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book was amazing with its characters, plot twists, and emotions. While reading I was laughing, then crying, to smiling. I definitely recommend this book and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
    Prue doesn't believe in love but after a faithful evening she meets the Duke of Bedwin who everyone has talked about. Robert has to find a woman to marry and give him an heir and after finding out Prue is just what he wants in a new wife he decides to meet her and propose. What he doesn't expect is for Prue to be hiding a secret from everyone, especially him. Will Prue's secret destroy her only chance at love?
    Helpful
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  • Cynthia L. Bogner
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good start
    Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I very much like the premise of this series. I believe this book sets a pleasant foundation for what’s to come. I genuinely liked the hero and heroine, but I couldn’t help feel something missing here that I grew to love in the Rogues and Gentlemen series. What it was precisely, I can’t quite put my finger on. I wasn’t moved to tears — not that I strive for that in romance novels, but Ms. Leech does it so beautifully. I did, however, laugh out loud several times which I do so enjoy. Too much darkness can get boring and...dark, but again, Ms. Leech has often managed to turn darkness into a beautiful romance. Anyway, I just couldn’t quite fall in love with the book, something I require for 5 stars.

    This perceived (to me) shortfall, however, may be an unfortunate but necessary evil when introducing a large cast of characters. I remember the first installment in the R and G series was my least favorite. My biggest complaint - I think - is that this book lacked the well developed supporting cast I’ve come to expect from Ms. Leech. The ladies so central to the series were rather just names on the page; not all, mind, but most.

    And while I certainly could picture our H and h as a couple, I was a little underwhelmed by their romantic journey to their HEA even though the plot was entertaining. That said, I look forward to the rest of the series, and I do hope we keep in touch with Prue and Robert in the process.
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  • eva45
    3.0 out of 5 stars Good Story.
    Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I really !liked the Duke and his sister. It was different and I really liked that. This was my first time reading a book by this author. It is NOT a clean romance novel which is why I gave 3 stars. I will not be reading any further in this series for that reason.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • AprilGirl
    5.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable read.
    Reviewed in Australia on February 9, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A well written novel with a thought provoking storyline, a good start to a promising series.
    I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.
    Report
  • Anja
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great story
    Reviewed in the Netherlands on February 28, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    First story I read from this author. It was very entertaining and I loved it. Will definitely read the second story as well.
    Report
  • Anne
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enthralling historical romance
    Reviewed in Canada on July 5, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This is a thoroughly entertaining historical romance that takes place predominantly in London England in 1814. Mix together a woman, Prue, who wants a future as an independent novelist and despises the concept of marriage with a Duke, Robert, who is feared and whose reputation has been besmirched, partly by his own actions, who needs a new wife and an heir; add in a group of wallflowers who want to take a chance at grabbing their own futures and you have the makings of an outstanding book. The author has created some amazing personalities who have facets of good and bad, just like most people. Will Prue ever be able to change her opinion on marriage? Will Robert be able to find a woman willing to look past the stories of his past? Will the wallflowers be able to change each of their perceived destiny? A serial story in a woman’s paper, social outings in the ton, relatives who may or may not have your best interest at heart, misconceptions and emotions all play major parts in this tale that ultimately creates a enthralling romance with a wonderful happily ever after ending. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series about daring wallflowers.
    Report
  • Aisha Sheikh
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it..
    Reviewed in India on October 31, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    It was a regency romance story with a hero who had his fair share of trouble and an independent lady written detailing everything well. It was emotional. I just hope it had more scandalizing content. Although it was really well written. With th excerpt of letter at the beginning of every chapter.
    Report
  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars You won't put this book down
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 23, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    My second time of reading didn't disappoint! Be warned, it's not about just reading this book as you will be hooked and you will need to read how life turns out for all the wallflowers!
    This story keeps you reading. I love all the characters including Uncle Charles and, inthebend, Minerva.
    There is just about enough spice to keep you interested - you will fall in love with Robert and wish that Prue would just see that they were inevitable!
    A brilliant read, will keep you curled up on the sofa looking for that happy ending.
    Totally recommend this book, the whole wallflower series and their families.
    Report

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