I dared the Duke - Anna Bennett

I Dared the Duke by Anna Bennett 

 Blurb:

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?


I really enjoyed reading this book. I loved Beth and Alexander Savage and loved to see their story unfold itself. Beth fighting for the happiness of the Duke's grandmother and Alexander, well, he is trying to fight for the safety and the lives of his grandmother and Beth without scaring them.
Actually - it was never a good idea to hold back essential information when dealing with people and Alexander soon learns that a (not so) meek and (not really) wilting wallflower may be a fierce opponent when it comes to a battle for someone's happiness.

Three wishes, he has to fulfill three wishes of his grandmother's and then Beth will finally agree to convince his grandmother that they should leave for the country.

A race against time and some unknown foe trying to kill Alexander - and those around him.
A battle of wills with a not so wilting wallflower - and against his own feelings.
A duke and well-known rake falling for the dowager's companion - and...well, read and see!

I loved that Alexander never tried to seduce Beth just for a sport and I loved to learn about his real character and his feelings. Yes, those two are linked, believe me.
You know how often the heroine is seduced by the hero to give up her principles, to give up her virginity and to sacrifice it all for love - without the hero ever telling her that he intends to marry her anyway because he just wants to know that she would put out for him no matter what because he is just so irresistible, whatever?
Yeah - that's not the case here. Alexander doesn't promise anything that he can't keep (being in the aforementioned rather precarious position of having to deal with the possibility of a killer on the loose...) but he doesn't hold back when it comes to his feelings.

I also loved that Alexander realized exactly what an impact a seemingly meaningless, stupid comment can make and how much it can hurt and change someone's future forever. And of course, considering his very redeeming qualities like loyalty, protectiveness, responsibility and his love for his grandmother and ...well, everything, it is very easy to like Alexander as a character and strong, stubborn, protective and loving Beth - well, I think they are perfect for each other!

A well written book with an interesting, gripping and well developed plot and great characters - I can definitely recommend this book! Oh, and this may have been the first book by Anna Bennett that I've read but I'm sure that it won't be the last!

★★★★