Maggie Blackbird

Today, I’m hosting USA Today Bestselling author Darcy Burke’s latest release If the Duke Dares, book one in the Rogue Rules series, a Regency historical romance. Be sure to read my review. And don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway.

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Title: If the Duke Dares
Series: Rogue Rules, Book One
Author: Darcy Burke
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency
Length: 321 pages
Release Date: January 30, 2024

Blurb: Incorrigible flirt Acton Loxley, Duke of Wellesbourne is in need of a duchess. En route to greet a potential bride, he encounters a most intriguing and captivating widow who completely distracts him from his task. However, she disappears before he can deepen their acquaintance. Acton begrudgingly goes to meet his bride, unaware she and the widow are one and the same.

When Persephone Barclay’s younger sister is compromised, Persephone must wed before the scandal spreads. Her parents scramble to present her to the Duke of Wellesbourne; except he’s precisely the kind of rogue she has now vowed to avoid. Taking flight to avoid a match, Persephone runs straight into her would-be betrothed and pretends to be someone else. But dash it all, the duke proves to be irresistibly charming! If she remains in his company, she’ll end up in the wicked scoundrel’s clutches.

Even worse, her second attempt at escape lands her in increasingly poor circumstances. With nowhere to turn and her safety at risk, she may have to accept help from the one man who threatens her resolve—and her reputation.

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“I’d like to comfort you. If you’d let me.”

Her gaze shifted back to meet his. “How?”

“I could hold you until you feel better?”

One of her dark gold brows arched slightly.

He held up his hands. “I swear, it will be a platonic embrace meant to soothe your unrest.”

It took her a moment to respond, and then he was shocked by what she said. “All right.” She lowered her arms to her sides.

Moving tentatively, Acton stepped closer to her. He put one arm around her, then the other. Instead of pulling her to him, he simply held her like that for a moment.

“This is awkward,” she said to his neck, for the top of her head came to his mouth. How easy, and satisfying, it would be to press a reassuring kiss to her forehead.

“Shall we stop, then?” He held his breath, realizing he didn’t particularly want to.

She tipped her head down and tucked it beneath his chin as she pressed herself against him. Her hands came to his waist, and she leaned into his embrace. Acton wrapped his arms about her more tightly and closed his eyes. She was warm, and this close, he could at last discern her floral scent: lily of the valley.

His body began to react to having her against him. He felt her curves and listened to the steady sound of her breathing as she settled in his arms. He nearly kissed her then. The need to brush his lips against her temple was overwhelming. Not to arouse her, but to show her she was safe and protected.

She pulled back slightly and looked up at him. “Thank you. I feel better now.”

He felt something more than better. He felt…awake. Alive. As if he’d been sleeping in the silent dark and the curtains had been thrown open to reveal a bright, exciting day that he couldn’t wait to begin.

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I’ve read and reviewed two novels by the author, and when this became available, I was in.  Not only did the blurb entice me to pick up the book, so did the author’s previous novels, because when you read a book by Ms. Burke, you’re guaranteed a winning reading experience, and If the Duke Dares was no different.

Persephone “Persey” Barclay’s younger sister has created a scandal most horrible, and her parents, to reinstate their besmirched good name, have created a match for their elder daughter Persey to wed Acton Loxley, the Duke of Wellsbourne.  Persey is not having any of it.  Why?  Because she will wed for love and only love.  Plus, after her sister’s ruin, Persey and her friends came up with rules they promised to abide by no matter what.  And Acton Loxley does not fit Persey’s idea of a good husband.

Acton Loxley never perceived himself as a rake, and he didn’t give much thought to the young ladies his friends ruined as a result of their “raking” behaviour.  Once he meets Persey, though, that changes.  The duke is also apprehensive about marriage since his parents didn’t have a good union since they lived separate lives. He believes he can never love anyone as a result of this.

With these many strikes against the marriage, the author had her work cut out for her to get these two together, and Ms. Burke did a great job of it.  I enjoyed the first part of the novel dedicated to Acton and Persey.  They not only had time to get to know each other, but their close proximity brought forth feelings neither believed would happen.

There’s also a great cast of secondary characters who aided or hindered the budding romance.  I especially adored Persey’s aunt.  As for the setting, the author blends this seamlessly into the story without adding too much description.  I felt as if I was gallivanting about England with Persey and Acton.  The finely crafted dialogue between Persey and Acton sizzled with chemistry that drew them together in a believable manner.  The pacing is excellent since the author keeps everything moving along without the romance feeling rushed or slow.  You can see why Ms. Burke is a USA Today bestselling author.

This is the first book in the series and a great start to a new cast of characters.  Do yourself a favour and get a copy.

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Darcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy over sixty captivating, compelling historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Her novels have been translated into five languages and are also available as audio books. Join her Reader Club at https://www.darcyburke.com/join.

A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming, teacher husband, artist daughter, and writer (yes!) son. They’re a crazy cat family with two Bengal cats, a small, fame-seeking cat named after a fruit, a rescue Maine Coon with attitude to spare, an adorable former stray who wandered onto their deck and into their hearts, and two bonded boys who used to belong to (separate) neighbors but chose them instead. You can find Darcy in her comfy writing chair, folding laundry (which she loves), or enjoying game night with the family.

Follow Darcy:  Web Site | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

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