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WORK TITLE: I Dared the Duke
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S): Barton, Anne
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://annabennettauthor.com/
CITY:
STATE: MD
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
Married; three children.
RESEARCHER NOTES:
LC control no.: no2016134921
LCCN Permalink: https://lccn.loc.gov/no2016134921
HEADING: Bennett, Anna (Romance novelist)
000 00453nz a2200133n 450
001 10278126
005 20161007075124.0
008 161006n| azannaabn |n aaa c
010 __ |a no2016134921
035 __ |a (OCoLC)oca10599812
040 __ |a CaBVa |b eng |e rda |c CaBVa
100 1_ |a Bennett, Anna |c (Romance novelist)
377 __ |a eng
670 __ |a My brown-eyed earl, 2016 |b title page (Anna Bennett) inside back cover (software analyst turned romance novelist who lives in Maryland)
PERSONAL
Married; children: three.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer and novelist. Worked as a software analyst.
AWARDS:Golden Heart for Regency Historical Romance, Romance Writers of America.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Anna Bennett is a writer who specializes in Regency-era romances. She traces her interest in the romance genre to a writer whose works were a formative experience for many readers and writers: Jane Austen. “When I was fourteen, I read Pride and Prejudice, and it was the book that made me fall in love with reading,” Bennett stated in an interview on the website Librarian Talks. “Before that, I’d enjoyed reading Greek myths, Grimm’s fairy tales and fantasy novels like A Wrinkle in Time and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but I always wished for something more. Then I read Jane Austen for a literature class, and she delivered everything I craved in one book—romance, wit, and poignancy.”
Bennett has worked as a software analyst and in other fields, noted a writer on the Anna Bennett Website. However, her dream was always to return to romance literature as a writer. She achieved this goal with the publication of her first novel in 2013. Written under the pseudonym Anne Barton, When She Was Wicked was the first book in the “Honeycote” series, which also includes the novels To All The Rakes I’ve Loved Before, Once She Was Tempted, Scandalous Summer Nights, and One Wild Winter’s Eve.
Miss Annabelle Honeycote, the protagonist of When She Was Wicked, is a dressmaker in the busiest and trendiest shop in Regency-era London. While helping her elite customers with their clothing purchases, she can’t help but overhear some of the best gossip from the halls of high society. A consistent and urgent need for money to pay for her mother’s health care reduces Annabelle to occasionally using these secrets for profit, although she hesitates to call what she does blackmail. With a strict code of conduct that guides her extortionist activities, she succeeds until she encounters Owen Sherbourne, the Duke of Huntford. He discovers what she’s doing and puts a stop to it, but in the process the two become involved in an unlikely romance. Their liaisons are passionate, but one day Annabelle discovers something that not only could destroy their relationship but also could ruin the Duke and his family.
More recently, Bennett has published several novels under her own name, including the “Wayward Wallflowers” series of Regency romances. The first book of the series, My Brown-Eyed Earl introduces the Lacey sisters, three women whose attempts to fit in with London high society have largely failed, leading them to be referred to by the mocking nickname of “Wayward Wallflowers.” Their Uncle Alistair tries his best to support them, but his funds are quickly running out. In this novel, Margaret Lacey has decided that she will take on a position as a governess to supplement the family’s income.
When she receives a reference for a job, she is stunned to realize that the person looking for child care is her former betrothed, William “Will” Ryder, the Earl of Castleton. He has taken on the task of raising his deceased cousin’s twin six-year-old daughters and needs help, because he has no idea how to take care of young girls. He is better known as a drinker and a womanizer who has recently broken up with his latest mistress. Adding to his troubles are his mother’s wishes that he finally settle down and marry.
Remembering the bitter sting of her rejection of his marriage proposal makes Ryder wonder how he could ever hire Margaret, but his memories of her other aspects, coupled with her instant rapport with the girls, makes him reconsider. Brought together again, even though it’s in a business relationship, reignites their attraction, creating the possibility that each might realize that they have the chance to correct a romantic mistake from their past.
USA Today reviewer Kathy Altman commented, “My Brown-Eyed Earl is witty and whimsical, with a tender and touching tone, a sprinkling of suspense, and an uncommon, unpredictable cast of characters that lift the story from satisfying to sublime.” A contributor to the website Romance Junkies called the book a “witty, sexy historical romance and a delightful start to a promising series.”
In I Dared the Duke, the second “Wayward Wallflowers” book, Bennett introduces the second of the Wayward Wallflowers, Elizabeth Lacey. Elizabeth has recently been hired as the companion and caretaker for the aged Duchess of Blackshire. When the Duchess’s notoriously ill-tempered grandson, Alexander Savage, the Duke of Blackshire finds out that a new person has been hired to tend to his grandmother without his knowledge, he is furious. The fact that Elizabeth and Alexander already know each other by reputation—she as one of the Wayward Wallflowers, he as a scarred, irascible rake—doesn’t help their initial meeting or make it any easier for either to accept the circumstances.
As the story progresses, however, both Elizabeth and Alex discover that there is more to the other than suspected. Alexander had originally intended to take his grandmother to a home in the country. Elizabeth suspected it was simply to get the old woman out of the way, but she finds out that it was because of some attempts made on Alexander’s life. He loved his grandmother dearly and wanted to take her somewhere for her safety. For Alexander’s part, he finds out that Elizabeth isn’t exactly the wallflower that her reputation leads him to expect. Elizabeth persuades Alexander to grant his dowager grandmother three wishes before taking her to the country. As the two work to fulfill the Duchess’s requests, they find a casual interest in each other gradually growing into an intense passion. With this book, “Bennett brings new life to traditional Regency stories and characters,” commented a Kirkus Reviews contributor.
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, March 15, 2017, Shelley Mosley, review of I Dared the Duke, p. 29.
Kirkus Reviews, March 1, 2017, review of I Dared the Duke.
Publishers Weekly, March 6, 2017, review of I Dared the Duke, p. 47.
USA Today, October 28, 2016, Kathy Altman, review of My Brown-Eyed Earl; April 6, 2017, Joyce Lamb, “Anna Bennett, Plus Kerrigan Byrne, on Why Fairy Tales Never Go Out of Style,” interview with Anna Bennett.
ONLINE
All About Romance, https://www.allaboutromance.com/ (November 5, 2017), review of My Brown-Eyed Earl.
Anna Bennett Facebook Page, https://www.facebook.com/AnnaBennettAuthor (November 5, 2017).
Anna Bennett Twitter Page, https://twitter.com/_annabennett (November 5, 2017).
Anna Bennett Website, http://www.annabennettauthor.com (November 5, 2017).
Fresh Fiction, http://www.freshfiction.com/ (January 5, 2017), Miranda Owen, review of My Brown-Eyed Earl.
Librarian Talks Blog, http://linkis.com/wordpress.com/xABiN (April 4, 2017), interview with Anna Bennett.
Romance Junkies, http://www.romancejunkies.com/ (November 5, 0217), review of My Brown-Eyed Earl; (November 5, 2017), review of I Dared the Duke.
Romance Novel News, http://www.romancenovelnews.com/ (November 5, 2017), review of I Dared the Duke.
Romantic Historical Reviews, http://www.romantichistoricalreviews.com/ (April 20, 2017), review of I Dared the Duke.
RT Book Reviews, https://www.rtbookreviews.com/ (November 5, 2017), review of My Brown-Eyed Earl; (November 5, 2017), review of I Dared the Duke.
Smexy Books, http://smexybooks.com/ (April 3, 2017), review of I Dared the Duke.
About the Author
Anna Bennett Author Photo ColorAnna Bennett started swiping romances from her mom’s bookshelf as a teenager and decided historicals (with their balls, dukes, and gowns) were the best. So, when she had the chance to spend a semester in London she packed her bags—and promptly fell in love with the city, its history, and its pubs. She dreamed of writing romance, but somehow ended up a software analyst instead.
Fortunately, a few years and a few careers later, Anna found her way back to writing the stories she loves and won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® for Regency Historical Romance. She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen. Her weaknesses include reality TV, cute shoes, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Anna spends a lot of time procrastinating on Twitter and Facebook, and she’d love to see you there! You can also keep up with her book news by signing up for her newsletter.
By the way, Anna wrote some books under the pen name Anne Barton, and you can find them on the Books page.
Happy reading!
Anna Bennett, plus Kerrigan Byrne, on why fairy tales never go out of style
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By: Joyce Lamb | April 6, 2017 12:00 am
Anna Bennett, whose Regency romance I Dared the Duke (Wayward Wallflowers book two) is new this week, explores why fairy tales offer such inspiration for romance authors. She asks Kerrigan Byrne, whose Victorian romance The Duke (Victorian Rebels book four) is also recently new, to weigh in, too.
Anna: It’s rumored that Albert Einstein once said, “If you want your children to be intelligent, read them fairy tales. If you want them to be more intelligent, read them more fairy tales.” The quote itself is a bit of a legend, but it’s not at all surprising that Einstein would value stories that spark the imagination and cultivate a sense of wonder.
And fairy tales aren’t just for kids. As adults, we appreciate the timelessness and poignancy of these classic stories. We relish the magic and the villains. But for me, the best part, hands-down, is the romance. I’ve always loved kissing books, and I suspect many avid romance readers feel the same.
It’s no wonder, then, that romance writers draw on fairy tales for inspiration time and time again. I think this is especially true in the historical romance genre, where fairy-tale elements help transport us to centuries past. They draw us in and stick with us long after we’ve read the last page.
So how do romance authors keep centuries-old stories fresh? With a twist, of course! My newest historical romance, I Dared the Duke, puts a spin on the traditional Cinderella story. Taking the place of a magical fairy godmother is a very real, scarred duke who must grant three wishes in order to receive the heroine’s help. But the heroine is seeking more than a ball gown, and the duke finds he’s the one who’s forever transformed by fulfilling the wishes.
Kerrigan Byrne’s latest historical romance, The Duke, spins the Cinderella story in yet a different, deeply touching way. “Instead of a cruel stepmother,” she says, “the heroine is employed in a brothel for a cruel pimp, but she serves drinks and scrubs floors rather than working as a prostitute. The glass slipper in this story is actually the hero’s hand. He loses it while he’s a prisoner of war, and he also loses his sense of self. He replaces his hand with a rather cool prosthetic, but he needs his Cinderella to put him back together again.”
I love that Kerrigan’s heroine helps to rescue the hero, and this is often the case in modern romances — the heroine is just as likely as the hero to slay dragons, real or metaphorical.
Not all dragons are evil, though. In I Dared the Duke, the heroine is fascinated by mythological creatures, so the duke’s aim is not to defeat the dragon, but to find her one — a challenge he embraces.
What is it about fairy tales that keeps us coming back for more? “I think it’s the triumph over the cruelty of others that resonates,” Kerrigan says, “the idea that someone can lose everything, even their sense of self, but still not lose their capacity for goodness and love. And we hope that pays off with a happily ever after.”
So true. And it’s why fairy tales — especially kissing books — will never go out of style.
What fairy-tale twist would you love to see in a historical romance novel? Let me know on Twitter @_AnnaBennett
About I Dared the Duke (Wayward Wallflowers book two):
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?
About The Duke (Victorian Rebels book four):
He is noble, notorious, and takes no prisoners…
Strong as a Viking. Handsome as Adonis. Rich as Midas. Collin “Cole” Talmage, Duke of Trewyth, is the stuff that legends are made of. He’s the English Empire’s golden son—until fate has its way with him. Cole’s family is killed and his closest comrade betrays him on the battlefield, leaving him gravely injured. But Cole is not one to dwell on misfortune. He is a man of duty, honor—and desire. And now he’s ready for the fight of his lifetime…
Imogen Pritchard is a beautiful lass who works in a hospital by day and as a serving maid at night. Years ago, when she was young and penniless, she ended up spending a scandalous night with Cole, whose tormented soul was matched only by his earth-shattering passion. Imogen entered a marriage of convenience—one that left her a wealthy widow—but she never forgot Cole. Now that her long-lost lover has turned up in her hospital, injured and with no memory of her, Imogen is torn: Is it a blessing or a curse that their past remains a secret to Cole, even as his new passion for her leaves him wanting to protect and possess her…at all costs?
Find out more at annabennettauthor.com and www.kerriganbyrne.com.
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Interview with Anna Bennett, on the release of…I DARED THE DUKE
APRIL 4, 2017 / THELIBRARIANTALKS
Interview
Why did you choose to write in your particular field or genre?
When I was fourteen, I read Pride and Prejudice, and it was the book that made me fall in love with reading. Before that, I’d enjoyed reading Greek myths, Grimm’s fairy tales and fantasy novels like A Wrinkle in Time and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, but I always wished for something more.
Then I read Jane Austen for a literature class, and she delivered everything I craved in one book—romance, wit, and poignancy. My mother was (and still is) an avid reader and gave me a few historical romances to try. I was hooked!
Who are some of your favorite authors that you feel were influential in your work? What impact have they had on your writing?
You know the line from John Green’s A Fault in Our Stars, “My third best friend was an author who didn’t know I existed”? That’s how I feel about Lisa Kleypas! I adore her books for their characters, emotion, passion, and humor. And she once gave an amazing, incredibly inspiring speech at a Romance Writers of America conference that I listened to a half a dozen times–before my first book was ever published. Her stories perfectly capture that glorious, heady feeling of falling in love.
What projects are you working on at the present?
I’m working on the next Wayward Wallflower book, The Rogue is Back in Town. It’s the story of the youngest Lacey sister, Julie, who’s trying to protect her eccentric uncle from the rogue who tries to evict them from their house. It has lots of the tropes I love: a wallflower, a bad boy, enemies-to-lovers, and a love triangle. It’s been fun to write!
FUN STUFF!
Do you have any strange writing habits (like standing on your head or writing in the shower)?
I track my daily word count on a paper calendar, and I swear it’s good luck when the number is a palindrome.
How many donuts are you capable of eating in one sitting?
One, but I could eat three in the course of a day—I like to pace myself. There’s this new donut shop near me that makes the donuts to order and serves them warm. Sugar and cinnamon with vanilla icing please!
What is your go-to method for getting rid of hiccups?
Why fight them? Let them run their course. 🙂
Do you have a favorite Girl Scout Cookie?
Trefoils
Finally, and this one is important, so please pay attention. What do you think cats dream about?
World domination
This or That?
Dogs or Cats? Cats
Tea or Coffee? Iced tea, hot coffee
Winter or Summer? Summer and flip flops
TexMex or Italian? Love both, but will say Italian for mom’s eggplant parm
Vintage or New? Vintage
About the Book
Dared the Duke_Cover Image
I Dared the Duke
April 4, 2017
Wayward Wallflowers Series, Book 2
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?
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About the Author
anna bennett author photo - small.jpg
Anna Bennett started swiping romances from her mom’s bookshelf as a teenager and decided historicals (with their balls, dukes, and gowns) were the best. She dreamed of writing romance, but somehow ended up a software analyst instead.
Fortunately, a few years and a few careers later, Anna found her way back to writing the stories she loves and won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart®. She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen. Her weaknesses include reality TV, cute shoes, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
ConnectOnline
Anna spends a lot of time procrastinating on Twitter and Facebook, and she’d love to see you there! You can also keep up with her book news by signing up for her newsletter.
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ADULT ROMANCE, ANNA BENNETT, AUTHOR, AUTHOR INTERVIEW, FICTION, HISTORICAL ROMANCE, I DARED THE DUKE, NEW RELEASE, ROMANCE, ROMANCE SERIES, SMP ROMANCE, ST. MARTIN'S PRESS
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Print Marked Items
Bennett, Anna: I DARED THE DUKE
Kirkus Reviews.
(Mar. 1, 2017):
COPYRIGHT 2017 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Full Text:
Bennett, Anna I DARED THE DUKE St. Martin's (Adult Fiction) $7.99 4, 4 ISBN: 978-1-250-10092-4
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.
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"Bennett, Anna: I DARED THE DUKE." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Mar. 2017. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA482911848&it=r&asid=00321eac9e8cf0ee47fee89ab8cbc0e1.
Accessed 19 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A482911848
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I Dared the Duke
Shelley Mosley
Booklist.
113.14 (Mar. 15, 2017): p29.
COPYRIGHT 2017 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Full Text:
I Dared the Duke.
By Anna Bennett.
Apr. 2017.352p. St. Martin's, paper, $7.99 (9781250100924).
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 BrownEyed
Earl (2016).--Shelley Mosley
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
Mosley, Shelley. "I Dared the Duke." Booklist, 15 Mar. 2017, p. 29. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA490998465&it=r&asid=403b3474e6e1553f203afcc22bcc11ff.
Accessed 19 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A490998465
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I Dared the Duke: A Wayward Wallflowers Novel
Publishers Weekly.
264.10 (Mar. 6, 2017): p47.
COPYRIGHT 2017 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
I Dared the Duke: A Wayward Wallflowers Novel
Anna Bennett. St. Martin's, $7.99 mass market
(352p) ISBN 978-1-250-10092-4
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. (Apr.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th
Edition)
"I Dared the Duke: A Wayward Wallflowers Novel." Publishers Weekly, 6 Mar. 2017, p. 47. General OneFile,
go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA484973661&it=r&asid=33810d197b5597c99b60a486ec463197.
Accessed 19 Oct. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A484973661
Romance / Historical Romance
Image of My Brown-Eyed Earl: A Wayward Wallflowers Novel (The Wayward Wallflowers)
RT Rating:
Genre:
Romance, Historical Romance
Setting:
Regency England
Sensuality:
Hot
Published:
October 4 2016
Publisher:
St. Martin's Paperbacks
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Contemporary Romance
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RT Review Source
RT RATINGS GUIDE
5 GOLD: Phenomenal. In a class by itself.
4 1/2: TOP PICK. Fantastic. A keeper.
4: Compelling. A page-turner.
3: Enjoyable. A pleasant read.
2: Problematic. May struggle to finish.
1: Severely Flawed. Pass on this one.
MY BROWN-EYED EARL
Author(s): Anna Bennett
My Brown-Eyed Earl is a fun and lovely story that’s heartwarming and joyous. Bennett’s engaging hero and heroine are nothing compared to 6-year-old twins who steal the show and readers’ hearts. But it’s more than characters that make this a wonderful read, it’s the heartfelt storytelling and depth of emotion as the characters growth takes center stage and a second chance at love seems possible. A delightful read!
William, Earl of Castleton, has his hands full. He’s now in charge of mischievous 6-year-old twin girls, and his mother announced he is in need of a wife. All he can think about is finding a governess who can keep the girls from terrorizing his staff and turning his life into Bedlam. Miss Margaret Lacey has fallen on hard times. Once betrothed to the Earl, she is in need of a job and interviews for the position of governess. Margaret has her pride, but the girls have her heart, and she accepts the position on a temporary basis. Seeing William every day brings back feelings they both thought were long buried. Desire sizzles and passion soars, but it is when the girls are in danger they put everything aside. It isn’t until later that William and Margaret realize they are a family that must stay together. (ST. MARTIN’S, Oct., 352 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed by:
Kathe Robin
Romance / Historical Romance / England / Regency Period
RT Rating:
Genre:
Romance, Historical Romance, England, Regency Period
Setting:
Regency England
Sensuality:
Hot
Barnes & Noble: Buy Now
*This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and purchase an item from the vendor, we receive a percentage of the profit (even if you don't buy the item we've linked to). Thank you for supporting RT Book Reviews!
BOOK REVIEWS
All Genres
Top Picks!
Contemporary Romance
Historical Romance
Historical Fiction
Romantic Suspense
Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Paranormal
Fantasy
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5 GOLD: Phenomenal. In a class by itself.
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3: Enjoyable. A pleasant read.
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1: Severely Flawed. Pass on this one.
I DARED THE DUKE
Author(s): Anna Bennett
Humor abounds in Bennett’s new Wayward Wallflowers installment as the charming characters engage in wry banter that leads to love. Readers will cherish the romance that emerges as the characters come to terms with their feelings, and they’ll love Bennett’s clever plotting and the bit of mystery she adds to spice up the plot. Yet it is the delightful repartee and enchanting characterization that will truly win readers’ hearts.
Miss Elizabeth Lacey, a wallflower of the first order, has accepted the offer to become the Duchess of Blackshire’s companion so she can get out of her uncle’s home, and because she sincerely likes the elderly duchess. It is her grandson, the Duke of Blackshire, who raises Beth’s ire. Known as being a heartbreaker, Alexander adores his grandmother, and when he realizes someone is trying to kill him, he needs to be sure she is safe in the country. However, her prickly companion is making it difficult for Alex to get them out of the city. Their battle of wits and wills leads to Beth demanding Alex grant his grandmother three wishes before they retire to the country. Living side by side, it soon becomes impossible to hide their growing passion, and Alex fears he will lose his heart and disclose all his secrets to the delightful Miss Lacey. Beth comes to love Alex, despite his physical and emotional scars, but the danger that stalks him may well be her doom. (ST. MARTIN’S, Apr., 368 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed by:
Kathe Robin
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You are here: Home / Anna Bennett / Review: I Dared the Duke by Anna Bennett
Review: I Dared the Duke by Anna Bennett
April 3, 2017 By Tori Leave a Comment
I Dared the Duke by Anna Bennett
Series: The Wayward Wallflowers, #2
Historical Romance/Mystery
St. Martin’s Press
April 4, 2017
Favorite Quote: “This was the kiss she’d been waiting for forever. And she hadn’t even known till that moment.”
Reviewed by Tori
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? (Goodreads)
I Dared the Duke by Anne Bennett is the second story in her Wayward Wallflower series which is based on a trio of orphaned sisters. A classic romance with its faint Cinderella theme. A scandalous Duke falls for his grandmother’s beautiful companion and they live happily ever after. What makes this story interesting is the characters themselves. Our companion is a companion by choice, not because of economic or social factors. Our Duke is anything but scandalous.The many rumors that surround him are just that…rumors…From their first meeting, this affordable and personable couple amused me with their witty, energetic banter and simmering chemistry.
The story starts out on a bang with our hero and heroine sharpening their verbal swords on one another as the Duke, Alex, tries to fire the companion, Beth. Alex is determined to get his grandmother out of London and away from him due to the near fatal events that seem to befall him lately. Behaving in his usual overbearing snotty self, he attempts to browbeat Beth into quitting and finds himself quite intrigued when she turns the tables on him.
“Now then,” he drawled. “I believe Miss Lacey has something of import she wished to tell us.”
“Why no, your grace. I’ve nothing to share. Nothing at all.”
“Are you quite certain you have nothing to share?”
“I am.”
“I believe you had some news concerning your own situation.”
“Situation is such a vague word, is it not? It could refer to a number of topics. I’m afraid you will have to be more specific.”
Alex and Beth dance around one another and the topic at hand until Beth finally offers Alex a deal. If he grants his grandmother three wishes, she’ll help to convince her to leave. Beth just wants the Duke to spend some time with his grandmother. His grandmother adores him and to Beth family is everything.
Elizabeth (Beth) Lacey and her two sisters were orphaned and left penniless when their parents are killed in an accident. Only their uncle, Lord Wiltmore, is willing to take them in and his odd reputation doesn’t exactly ensure their welcome into society. Their uncle adores them and just wants them to be happy but Beth and her sisters are given an unfortunate nickname that follows them around the ballrooms for years; making them the recipient of snubs and jokes made at their expense. Though Beth is tired of being humiliated through no fault of her own, she accepts a position as the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire companion as a favor to her uncle knowing it will place her in society’s sights again. Beth loves to feel needed and while she the epitome of a well-bred lady, she is quite amusing with her dry wit, subtle set downs, and sheer stubbornness.
“Good evening, Miss Lacey.”
“Your grace.”
“Impressive.”
“What’s impressive?”
“You ability to make a simple greeting sound like an insult. Not everyone can manage it, you know.”
Alex, the Duke of Blackshire, is not quite the cold, detached jerk he presents himself to be at the beginning. Someone is trying to kill him and he fears for grandmother’s life. His grandmother is his heart. He lost both his parents in a fire at a young age. She not only raised him but nursed him back to health when he was injured in that fire. He is unable to comfortably investigate while worrying for her safety but refuses to tell anyone (beyond his best friend) what is going on. When he and Beth first meet, it is like mixing oil and water. They repel one another all while trying to co-exist in the same space.
“Aren’t you one of Lord Wiltmore’s ___?”
“Wallflowers?” she provided. “How kind of you mention it, “ she added dryly.
He raised a dark brow. “I was going to say nieces.”
She shrugged. “Perhaps. But you were thinking wallflowers.”
“I am fascinated by your uncanny ability to know what I am thinking. If you can predict what I’m going to say before I say it, this whole conversation is rather pointless.”
“I couldn’t agree more. Are we through?”
As they spend more time together, the attraction between them intensifies yet they both feel that nothing can come of it. Alex has secrets, one especially that revolves around Beth and her sisters. One that he is convinced will cause her to hate him. Beth is sure that Alex will grow bored and eventually leave her as everyone always does. Emotions run high and the sexual teasing and tension is quite delicious as Bennett slowly but steadily leads them towards their destiny. Nicely framed love scenes dot the landscape to invigorate the reader as this couple takes advantage of a few stolen moments.
It was a heady feeling, being in the arms of London’s most notorious lover. Before this kiss, she never understood why otherwise perfectly intelligent women would sully heir reputations for a night with him. But as he speared his fingers through her hair and trailed kisses down the side of her neck, she understood all too well.
A hint of mystery adds to the overall anticipation of the story though the two storylines don’t blend was well as I would hope. Bennett attempts to merge them in the end but it comes off a bit rushed and forced.
The secondary characters are an interesting and diverse group used to create depth and to help push the story along. Beth’s uncle and sisters are quite frank and affectionate. They rush en mass when Beth is in trouble and I enjoyed their interactions. Alex’s grandmother is a pip and her matchmaking attempts weren’t all that subtle. Alex’s best friend plays a strong role and I hope we see more of him in the future. I do wish that the story hadn’t stayed so insulated on this couple. I would have enjoyed seeing them interact together with the outside world more. To be honest, I don’t even know the dates/era of this world. Regency? Georgian? Victorian? That’s how focused Bennett is.
The mystery wraps up in a surprisingly dramatic fashion with the villain unmasked and dealt with by a shocking source while Alex lays his childhood guilt to rest with a heroic act. All in all a pleasantly lightweight and amusing historical romance that is sure to elicit a happy sigh from its readers. Though part of a series, each book can be read comfortably as a standalone. The next sister’s story will be told in The Rogue is Back in Town-set to release January 2018.
Grade: C+
I Dared the Duke (Wayward Wallflowers #2) by Anna Bennett
Apr
20
I dared the duke
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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?
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Publisher and Release Date: St. Martin’s Paperbacks, April 2017
Time and Setting: London, 1818
Genre: Historical Romance
Heat Level: 2
Review Rating: 3 stars
Review by Sara
I Dared the Duke continues the story of the three Lacey sisters, known as The Wilted Wallflowers after they were cruelly teased during their first season in London. Middle sister Beth Lacey gets the spotlight here and her story is enjoyable enough and a marginal improvement from the series’ début My Brown-Eyed Earl.
Miss Elizabeth Lacey hasn’t quite found her footing since her family’s social change of fortune. For years she and her sisters were cruelly teased for their unfashionable appearance, lack of fortune and their uncle’s eccentricities. Her sister’s recent marriage to an earl has raised their standing within the ton, but even with their newfound wealth, Beth isn’t comfortable facing the same people who so easily scorned her, so she offers herself as a companion to the elderly Dowager Duchess of Blackshire. The arraignment makes Beth feel needed and the duchess benefits from Beth’s attention. Everything is comfortable for Beth until the duchess’ grandson, the current Duke of Blackshire arrives home. Alexander Savage is strikingly handsome, even with the scars on his neck, but his attitude towards Beth is anything but attractive. He’s curt, dismissive and seems put-out that his grandmother has hired a companion without his knowledge.
Alex has arrived back at his London town house with the singular task of moving his beloved grandmother away from possible threats to his person. Over the last few weeks, Alex has fallen victim to more than a few accidents under very suspicious circumstances. The idea that someone is targeting him has him fearful that the perpetrator will shift their attention to the only person left that he cares for. Coming home to find that his grandmother has brought in a companion is an inconvenience and Alex makes it very clear to the pretty, young Miss Lacey that her services are no longer required. He doesn’t count on Beth digging in her heels about not leaving the duchess’ side and instead accuses Alex of neglect towards the only family he has left. That couldn’t be farther from the truth, yet to reveal his fears or his plans about capturing the person threatening him to Beth isn’t something Alex can do.
Beth and Alex are at loggerheads until he changes tactics on her. Rather than seeing Beth as an impediment to his plans, he instead asks for her help to convince his grandmother that moving to the country would be beneficial. Beth, still believing Alex to be a rogue who cares little for the aging duchess, adds the condition that she’ll help him if he’ll grant the older woman three wishes to make her remaining time in London more memorable. The requests the dowager makes seem easy enough for Alex to facilitate; however in spending time with his grandmother he is also enjoying Beth’s company and soon a friendship of sorts develops between the pair. It isn’t long before their closeness gives way to the attraction that’s been simmering since their first meeting, yet they are each reluctant to pursue a relationship for differing reasons. Alex still fears that anyone close to him could be in mortal danger, while Beth doesn’t want to give herself over to a man reputed to be a bed-hopping libertine.
I Dared the Duke is more light and fluffy than it is deep and character driven. Beth and Alex are easy to read about but they’re not very substantial past their interactions with each other. The gossip has painted Alex as a promiscuous rake; however he’s anything but. It’s never made 100% clear why Alex would want to have that kind of reputation follow him around London and it really only serves as a motivation for the accidents that have been following him. Otherwise, Alex is a fairly well adjusted individual and it makes him a little boring. There isn’t much of an edge to him or anything underneath the role he’s adopted as London’s greatest lover. A small secret about his awareness of Beth before meeting her is folded into his backstory but it only becomes a conflict for about a page. Then it’s dismissed in the name of love.
Beth’s misperceptions of Alex’s character are there so she doesn’t immediately swoon for him. She’s unwilling to be just another notch on his bedpost so she keeps him at arm’s length in order to protect her heart. When Beth discovers why Alex is so keen to have the duchess out of London she quickly drops her prejudices and wants to be a part of his investigation into who’s been threatening him. It’s a nice way to further the relationship building but once again it falls on the airy side of storytelling. Beth’s need to be needed is a character flaw; however everyone around her seems to think it’s her singular strength. Instead of being comfortable in her own skin, Beth needs the constant reassurance that she’s made a difference for someone else. It’s difficult to get behind a character who defines herself by how others see her.
Readers looking for an easy, light read will find that I Dared the Duke fits the bill nicely. The story has its charms and the emotions expressed towards the end of the book are heartwarming. I’m not compelled to continue The Wayward Wallflowers series past this story but it was a nice diversion between the more dramatic and weighty romances.
I DARED THE DUKE
I Dared the Duke by Anna Bennett
AUTHOR Anna Bennett
RELEASE DATE April 4, 2017
PUBLISHER St. Martin's Paperbacks
ISBN/ASIN 978-1250-10092-4
OUR RATING
REVIEWED BY Diana Mcc
BUY THE BOOK
OUR REVIEW
This is the second book in the THE WAYWARD WALLFLOWER series. I enjoyed it as a standalone book, as I hadn’t read the first one.
I DARED THE DUKE is the story of Miss Elizabeth Lacey (Beth) who’s personality is, she likes to be needed. After her sister is married, Beth is no longer needed at home, so she becomes the companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire.
As the companion to the Dowager Duchess she meets her grandson, the Duke of Blackshire, Alexander Savage (Alex). He has a reputation as a rogue. As a child he lost both parents to a house fire and he was severely burned.
His grandmother nursed him back to health and raised him. He loves the Dowager Duchess, but when attacks on his life threaten the security of their home, he would like nothing better than to send her and her companion to the country.
Beth stands up for the Duchess to stay in London, and ‘blackmails’ the Duke into granting three wishes for the Duchess, and only then will Beth convince her to move to the country.
They say love is never easy, and that’s how it is between the Duke and Beth.
The characters are well drawn. There is a great mystery with the assassination attempts on Alex.
Beth resists him for a part of the book. But once they realize they are meant to be, there is no stopping their love and the book heats up.
Read I DARED THE DUKE for stolen kisses, caresses and snappy dialogue, take the journey with Beth and Alex and you won’t be disappointed.
I definitely want to read the other books in this series, “THE WAYWARD WALLFLOWERS”.
I requested and received a copy of this story from ROMANCE JUNKIES REVIEWS, in exchange for my honest review.is
Latest Review: I Dared the Duke by Anna Bennett
Written by Jennifer Porter
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IDaredDukeI Dared the Duke by Anna Bennett (historical, St. Martins, April 2017)
Series: Wayward Wallflowers, book 2
Summary:
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?
Review:
From the moment, I started Anna Bennett’s I Dared the Duke, I was ensnared by both Alexander and Beth. Beth, a wallflower, works as a companion to the Dowager Duchess of Blackshire. Beth loves the dowager and enjoys working for her, but things get a bit strained once the dowager’s son, Alexander, the Duke of Blackshire, arrives to stay. Beth wishes that Alexander would pay more attention to his grandmother, while Alexander desperately wants to protect his grandmother from a threat.
Alex has recently come to realize that someone wants him dead. As a result, Alex wants to get rid of Beth and move his grandmother to the country, to get her out of harm’s way - all without revealing the danger (of course!). Beth is not one to scare easily and Alex’s gruff and grumpy demeanor make her dig her heels in. She knows that the dowager wants to remain in London and Beth will do everything she can to keep the dowager where she wants to be. This makes Alex and Beth’s relationship a bit combative at first, of course, with a side of sexual attraction.
Beth is a strong heroine, one who is able to stand up to the ducal Alex who doesn’t expect to meet with any resistance. She challenges Alex, makes bargains with him in order to try and get what she wants which is usually something for the dowager. This put the two into closer contact where their attraction for each other flares hotly. Their romance is delightful especially once Beth and Alex stop fighting each other.
There is obviously a suspense plot as someone wants Alex dead. In the beginning, he is working mostly by himself to figure out the mystery. He really doesn’t have a great sense of who might be after him or why and doesn’t want to let anyone actually help him (which could have saved him some aggravation). Eventually, he tells Beth and then she does get involved. Alex continues to remain his stubborn self, not wanting Beth or anyone else to be in danger. I enjoyed the suspense plot tremendously and was even a bit surprised by it. It turns out that indeed Alex’s past and reputation as one of London’s greatest lovers does come back to haunt him in the end.
I Dared the Duke by Anna Bennett has all the hallmarks of a great romance: two characters who generate incredible heat when they are together, a mystery worth solving and a happily ever after that enchants. Even though this one is the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand alone. This one is a highly entertaining read.
Anna Bennett: http://annabennettauthor.com/
Book Disclosure: An ebook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
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My Brown Eyed Earl
Anna Bennett
Buy This Book
I didn’t enjoy My Brown-Eyed Earl as much as I had hoped to. The story has the right components to make it a pleasant read; a simple love story with little conflict and a plotline that moves along at a quick pace. Unfortunately those were also its weakest areas and I struggled to engage with the story at all.
The Lacey sisters haven’t quite caught on in London society. Without the funds to purchase the latest gowns or a prominent woman to sponsor their débuts, the three of them have been dubbed the atrocious label “The Wilting Wallflowers” by the gossips. After their parents’ deaths seven years ago they have lived under the care of their uncle, and his eccentricities have made their acceptance into the ton even harder.
Miss Margaret Lacey is a realist who understands that caring for three women on a very limited income is slowly draining whatever money their Uncle Allister still possesses. With no marriage prospects on the horizon Meg decides to seek employment as a governess to supplement the household funds and perhaps provide enough money so that her younger sisters might have a chance next season. Meg asks a governess friend for a job reference and within a short period she is ready for her first interview. Already nervous about taking on a job for which she has little experience, Meg is stunned when she learns that the man seeking a governess is Lord Castleton, her former neighbor in the country and the man to whom she was very briefly betrothed before she broke it off.
Waking up with a terrible hangover leaves William Ryder poorly equipped to hide his shock when his former betrothed walks into his study looking for work. It was an arrangement between their parents that put him and Meg together but he can never forget the dramatic way Meg rejected the match and managed to insult him as well. It would be quite easy to deny her the governess job but Will is in desperate need to fill the position quickly. The twin girls he’s caring for aren’t his own children but are the illegitimate daughters of his late cousin. The man had been as close as a brother to Will so when the girls were unceremoniously dropped on his doorstep by their mother, it was his family duty to care for them. Unfortunately a bachelor’s household is no place for two six-year olds and Will hasn’t a clue how to care for small children.
Meg and Will’s reunion doesn’t go any more smoothly than their parting did seven years earlier. Meg is quick to hide her embarrassment at the whole situation by striking out at Will and judging him by their shared past and his reputation. Will doesn’t make things easier by using their history as leverage to take a few shots at Meg. The entire interview seems a failure except that Will can see there is something more behind Meg’s bluster and her shabby gown. She needs this position as much as he needs a governess for the girls. When the twins take to Meg right away Will makes her an offer of temporary employment to see if they can get past their supposed dislike for each other for the benefit of the children.
My Brown-Eyed Earl is almost too light and airy for its own good. Will and Meg have a shared past and both have demons that have to be exorcised before they can be with each other, but all of that conflict is resolved without much drama. What truly drives their relationship from almost the beginning is pure lust. Will is attracted to Meg immediately despite her prickly attitude, so he lets his second brain do a lot of the thinking and he pursues her. Meg is drawn to Will, too, so much so that within a few minutes of their reintroduction she’s questioning why she ever threw the guy over when she was young. Too quickly to my mind they change the nature of Meg’s position in the household from just the governess to Will’s mistress and neither one seems all that upset about it. Oh, Meg tries to push him away and feels quite a bit of guilt about starting a relationship with a man she’d rejected and what that cost her family; however, her internal conflicts don’t come across as soul-wrenching or a real impediment to their being together.
Because the main character conflict is almost a non-starter, Ms. Bennett adds complications to Will’s life through a mysterious gentleman who is harassing Will’s ex-mistress in order to get information from her. The mistress has already moved on to a new patron but she and Will are friendly enough for him to take exception to someone using her to get to him, so he meets secretly with her on a few occasions. Unfortunately Meg discovers that Will is meeting with the woman and it reignites all of her insecurities, her guilt and other negative emotions. It also introduces the dreaded Big Misunderstanding to muddle the relationship, which by now has moved well past being just a physical one. Will is already thinking about making a future with Meg so he’s got to fight for his relationship on two fronts, the attack from without by the mysterious gentleman and from within by calming all of Meg’s fears about his sincerity. The addition of this outside villain never quite fits well into the story and his threats to Will’s or Meg’s reputations seem empty.
If this story element had been removed and the inner conflicts for Meg and Will had been fleshed out better I might have been more forgiving in my rating. My Brown-Eyed Earl isn’t necessarily bad but it’s very simplistic. This is billed as Anna Bennett’s début work, but she has also written as Anne Barton and as a previously published author, I expected a little more polish in her writing. Everything here is too superficial to make it a recommended read.
MY BROWN-EYED EARL
AUTHOR Anna Bennett
RELEASE DATE October 4, 2016
PUBLISHER St. Martin's Press
ISBN/ASIN 9781250100900
OUR RATING
REVIEWED BY Dottie
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OUR REVIEW
Eight years ago, Margaret “Meg” Lacey and her sisters found a home with their uncle, Lord Whitmore, after the death of their parents. Although he would never let them know, they had been a burden on him and his dwindling fortune. Being presented to society has not helped his finances. But they have all failed to find a husband. Their uncle’s eccentric behavior and their unfashionable wardrobe had led to the girls being dubbed Wilting Wallflowers during their first season.
Currently twenty-three years old, Meg decides to take a job as a governess to keep her uncle out of debtor’s prison, even though she feels less than adequate to hold such a position. With her friend Charlotte’s encouragement, Meg goes for an interview with a bachelor who is raising twin six-year-old girls. Unbeknownst to her, the bachelor is none other than Lord Castleton, the man her parents chose for her to marry and whom she subsequently rudely rejected. Things are definitely not looking up!
William “Will” Ryder, the Earl of Castleton’s, life seems to be full of bad news. Between breaking up with his marriage-minded mistress, his mother pushing him to marry, his close cousin dying and then having his deceased cousin’s twin daughters left with him so that they would not be left in an orphanage, leaves him at wits’ end. Unaccustomed to children, Will is desperate for a governess to take them in hand. But he never expected the woman who rejected his one marriage proposal to apply for the position. If she thought marrying him was beneath her, how will she ever work for him? But his desperation and her easy rapport with the twins make him reconsider his objection to hiring her.
As Meg and Will meet and interact in the performance of her duties, their past fades away and desire takes over. But Will’s mother has someone else in mind for him. Will he give into his mother’s manipulations, or will he choose the woman he loves for his bride?
A charming tale, MY BROWN-EYED EARL, the first book in award winning author Anna Bennett’s WAYWARD WALLFLOWERS series, is a witty, sexy historical romance and a delightful start to a promising series. Meg is the caring daughter of a vicar who puts her love for her uncle and sisters ahead of her own needs and blames herself for her parents’ deaths. Since she lost them, she is no longer the spoiled girl she once was when she rejected Will. As for Will, he is seen by society as a rake who loves to drink, but there is more to him. His father ran the estate into the ground and now it is up to Will to fill the coffers once more. These two are well-matched. They are both strong characters who say what is on their minds. The depiction of the twins as two mischievous young girls who need love and direction is beautifully done. As the story unfolds, mystery ensues when someone starts asking questions about the two young girls.
This is an entertaining story. If you can suspend belief, in regards to how a debutante of this era can suddenly become a governess in the home of a rakish lord she once had a connection to without it resulting in scandal, you will enjoy it even more. Fans of historical romance may be familiar with Ms. Bennett’s novels written under the pseudonym Anna Barton. Reading this novel increased my curiosity about Meg’s sisters’ futures. I look forward to Beth’s story in I DARED THE DUKE, which is due to release in April 2017. Pick up a copy of MY BROWN-EYED EARL today and step into the imaginative world of Anna Bennett!
Must-read historical romance: 'My Brown-Eyed Earl' by Anna Bennett
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By: Kathy Altman | October 28, 2016 12:00 am
my-brown-eyed-earl-by-anna-bennettMy Brown-Eyed Earl by Anna Bennett
What it’s about (courtesy of St. Martin’s):
William Ryder, Earl of Castleton, is at the end of his noble rope. Not only has he broken ties with his longtime mistress, his mother has publicly announced her wish for him to marry a suitable young lady—if only to help him raise the young twins in his care. Hiring a governess should solve some of Will’s problems…but when he meets the candidate in question, he finds himself in an entirely new predicament.
Miss Margaret Lacey is brainy, beautiful, and, once upon a time, Will’s betrothed. But she bowed out of the engagement—and, since then, has never been the same. A tragic accident robbed her of everything, and now, at age twenty-three, her marital prospects are slim to none. Penniless but not without pride, Meg convinces the vexingly handsome Will to hire her for the job. What neither of them could have expected from this arrangement, however, is an attraction that burns stronger than ever. Are these two lost souls finally ready to be schooled in the art of love?
Why you should read it: This first book in Anna Bennett’s Wayward Wallflowers series is one bliss-giving read. My Brown-Eyed Earl is witty and whimsical, with a tender and touching tone, a sprinkling of suspense, and an uncommon, unpredictable cast of characters that lift the story from satisfying to sublime.
Refreshingly, the author makes Meg less than the perfect governess, and even has her throw a tantrum or two, which is both endearing and effective. Meg may not be the best woman for the job, but she is compassionate and considerate, and these are the qualities that convince Will to hire her. Plus, he’s in a bit of a pickle.
Meg and Will are both strong personalities with a decided reluctance to back down from just about anything, which results in some deliciously lively dialogue. In fact, though Meg and her sisters were dubbed the Wilting Wallflowers by the London ton after a disastrous first season, Meg is the opposite of wilting — especially when it comes to sex. She’s openly curious and pragmatic, leaving her new employer continuously nonplussed, not to mention enchanted (especially once he realizes her long-ago rejection stemmed not from arrogance, but from her own insecurity. I adored that dynamic, that she’d previously refused him.)
“The important thing is that no one was hurt,” Will said.
“Yes, about that.” Meg wrung her hands some more. “I feel that I must apologize for”—her cheeks instantly blushed bright pink—“the extremely unfortunate and entirely accidental contact that my knee happened to make with your…”
Will raised both brows and feigned ignorance. “With my what, Miss Lacey?”
The flush on her cheeks deepened and spread like a strawberry-colored ink stain, crawling down her pretty neck and disappearing behind the ridiculously high collar of her gown. “You know very well what I’m referring to.”
“You give me far too much credit. I’m not a reader of minds.” It was not well done of him, but damned if he could resist the chance to tease her.
She blew out a long breath and shot him a wary look. “Very well. I shall attempt to clarify as best I can. You were on the ground, and I was on…we were both on the ground and…” She shook her head and started over. “I was attempting to stand when my knee made incidental and regrettable injurious contact with…”
He leaned forward. “Yes?”
She crossed her arms, frustration rolling off her in waves. “You know.” For the briefest of moments her gaze darted to the front of his trousers before returning to his face. Good God. It was incredibly improper and arousing as hell.
He leaned an elbow on the mantle behind him and crossed his legs at the ankles. “I confess that I do know, Miss Lacey. The question is, do you?”
“I know enough, my lord,” she tossed back at him. “And frankly, I’m not impressed.”
Very believable and gratifying physical attraction aside, they can’t help but impress each other with a shared sense of duty. Meg is relentlessly aware of her sisters and their needs, as well as the precarious state of her uncle’s finances. Meanwhile Will has not only rebuilt his family’s neglected estate, he refuses to turn his back on the abandoned daughters sired by his cousin — and the hell with what society might think. (In love yet?)
Meg is, although she resigns herself to the fact that she and Will have no future together. Once Will acknowledges his own feelings, he does have some reservations about her social status, and I appreciated the realism of that. But it’s not so much their difference in station that keeps Meg from reaching for a happy ever after. Her habit of taking duty to the extreme, of sacrificing herself for her family, is a convenient shield for a crippling guilt. In a lovely twist, it’s Will who helps her realize her own worth, and inspires her to come to terms with the regret that’s ruled her life.
The poignancy of the story is well-balanced with sensuality and humor. I enjoyed the chaotic twist on Meg’s Cinderella moment, and oh, my gosh, the impromptu funeral is one of the most hilarious scenes I’ve read in a long while. I do feel the suspense thread could have been weightier, and Will’s character arc more pronounced.
My Brown-Eyed Earl is a breathtaking start to Bennett’s new series. I look forward to revisiting the unconventional Wiltmore family in book 2, I Dared the Duke, coming April 2017.
Kathy Altman’s next contemporary romance novel is Tempting the Sheriff, out this December. Kathy prefers her chocolate with nuts, her Friday afternoons with wine and her love stories with happy ever afters. Her website is kathyaltman.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook.
MORE ON HEA: See more of Kathy’s romance recs
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My Brown-Eyed Earl
Anna Bennett
Reviewed by Miranda Owen
Posted January 5, 2017
Romance Historical
MY BROWN-EYED EARL is book one in Anna Bennett's Wayward Wallflowers series. This is a story that will appeal to readers who enjoy governess-themed romances, as well as stories in which the hero and heroine have a shared past.
When she was fifteen, Margaret "Meg" Lacey spectacularly refused her parents demands that she marry William Ryder, the Earl of Castleton, their pick for her potential groom. Years later, when circumstances force Meg to look for employment, fate has a sense of humor when she's faced with having Will for an employer. Meg's pride and stubbornness, combined with Will's initial teasing is reminiscent of the relationship between Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe, from Lucy Maude Montgomery's Anne Shirley series. There is a tension that runs throughout MY BROWN-EYED EARL as Meg works through her internal struggle and questions her right to find happiness.
I love Gothic romances, and while MY BROWN-EYED EARL might not qualify, Meg reminded me of many noble Gothic heroes. Likewise, Will takes on the more romantic and hopeful role that most heroines generally do. Meg is haunted by the sudden death of her parents when she was a teenager and that event has shaped her life up until she meets Will again. Meg's sense of honor and responsibility for her family make her an admirable heroine, but also blind to her own needs. The tragic irony of falling for the man she refused so many years ago, thus making her parents' ill-fated carriage ride pointless, floods Meg's mind with guilt that eats away at her. This guilt prevents her from planning a happily ever after with Will. I like how, early on, Will is smitten with Meg and tries to plan for a future together and plot out how they can make their lives mesh. Will's fragile romantic optimism makes him different from just about any other guardian that I've ever read about in a romance.
Diana and Valerie, Will's six-year-old wards, are precocious without being obnoxiously so. I like the parallels between Diana and Valerie's situation and Meg and her sisters. Anna Bennett does a splendid job of slowing building the emotional connection between the little girls and the adults thrust into their lives. I like how, although feeling very ill-equipped in the role of caretaker, Will tries to look after the girls the best way he can without making them feel unwanted.
MY BROWN-EYED EARL by Anna Bennett takes a conscientious and caring heroine, a romantic and idealistic hero, and makes magic. Uncle Alistair and Will's former mistress Marina add texture to this story, and their interactions with the hero and heroine help define who Meg and Will are. I hope to read more about Meg's sisters, as well as her friend Charlotte, in future books.
Learn more about My Brown-Eyed Earl
SUMMARY
NEVER SEND A DEBUTANTE
William Ryder, Earl of Castleton, is at the end of his noble rope. Not only has he broken ties with his longtime mistress, his mother has publicly announced her wish for him to marry a suitable young lady―if only to help him raise the twins left in his care. Hiring a governess should solve some of Will’s problems…but when he meets the candidate in question, he finds himself in an entirely new predicament.
TO DO A WALLFLOWER’S JOB
Miss Margaret Lacey is brainy, beautiful, and, once upon a time, Will’s betrothed. But she bowed out of the engagement―and, since then, has never been the same. A tragic accident robbed her of everything, and now, at age twenty-three, her marital prospects are slim to none. Penniless but not without pride, Meg convinces the vexingly handsome Will to hire her for the job. What neither of them could have expected from this arrangement, however, is an attraction that burns stronger than ever. Are these two lost souls finally ready to be schooled in the art of love?